Welwyn Garden City Leisure and Community Review

Transcription

LEISURE AND COMMUNITY REVIEW
WELWYN GARDEN CITY
A
FINAL REPORT
BY
PMP
17 October 2006
CONTENTS
Section
Page
1
Introduction
1
2
Methodology
3
3
Welwyn Garden City development context
7
4
Indoor sports facility provision
16
5
Community facility provision
46
6
Museum, cultural and art facility provision
56
7
Commercial leisure facility provision
64
8
Development options
76
9
Development options evaluation
85
10
Conclusions and recommendations
105
Appendices
A
Strategic review – document list
B
List of consultees/ workshop attendees
C
Survey analysis
Residents postal survey/ analysis
User and drop-in session survey/ analysis
School internet survey/ analysis
D
Facility audit supporting information
E
Supply and demand modelling
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION
Introduction
1.1
In November 2005, Welwyn Hatfield Council (the Council) commissioned PMP to
undertake a review of local leisure and community related provision within Welwyn
Garden City.
1.2
It is recognised that there are development opportunities for leisure and community
provision in the town centre and that there is also an opportunity for planned
regeneration through mixed-use development, including leisure, of the industrial site
east of the town centre at Broadwater Road West.
1.3
The primary objective of this review process was therefore to use a robust and
objective research methodology to identify leisure and community facility needs/
demand within Welwyn Garden City and potential development opportunities to
address them.
1.4
A key outcome of the study will be to inform Supplementary Planning Documents
(SPDs), which will provide detailed guidance on future development in the town
centre as well as on Broadwater Road West.
1.5
The study findings will also inform the Core Strategy and support delivery of priorities
and promises in the Cultural Strategy, Community Plan and Corporate Strategy
statement.
1.6
Further information on the two key areas under consideration is provided in Section 3
but they can be broadly summarised as follows:
1.7
•
the Town Centre – in particular focusing on the area around The Campus
•
Broadwater Road West – this site runs from Cereal Partners down to the
Roche Products buildings and is sandwiched between the railway line and
Broadwater Road to the east of the town centre.
The leisure and community provision reviewed within the study is wide-ranging and
has been categorised as follows for the purposes of this report:
•
indoor sports facility provision – this includes core community sports
facilities such as swimming pools, health and fitness and sports halls as well
as specialist facilities such as indoor bowls, tennis centres etc, but does not
include outdoor pitch or court provision eg park based tennis courts and
bowling greens or sports pitches
•
community facility provision - this includes community halls, meeting space
for community groups including faith groups, youth facilities, libraries etc that
the public, both individuals and groups, can access on a free of charge or
‘pay-as-you-go’ basis
•
museum, cultural and art facility provision – this includes museums,
theatre provision, art galleries and exhibition space, as well as, for the
purpose of this study, tourism information centre provision
Welwyn Garden City – Leisure and Community Review
Page 1
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION
•
1.8
commercial leisure facility provision – this includes cinemas, ten-pin
bowling, restaurants, conference and exhibition centres, hotels, nightclubs
and other entertainment facilities that are typically privately owned and
operated by commercial leisure specialists and accessed on either a ‘payand-play’ or members only basis.
All development needs identified have been considered in terms of their development
potential on both The Campus and Broadwater Road West areas. Where
development on these areas is not considered appropriate, alternative development
areas have also been identified for further consideration.
Structure of the report
1.9
A comprehensive review methodology, including robust research and consultation,
was followed and is detailed in Section 2. The outcome of this process is a clear and
focused report detailing findings, conclusions and recommendations in relation to
current provision and development needs within each leisure and community
provision category. Way forward recommendations have also been provided to
inform the development of SPD for the two areas, for consideration by the Council.
1.10
The structure of the report reflects the methodology used and can be summarised as
follows:
•
Section 2 - Methodology
•
Section 3 - Welwyn Garden City development context
•
Section 4 - Indoor sports facility provision
•
Section 5 - Community facility provision
•
Section 6 - Museum, cultural and art facility provision
•
Section 7 - Commercial leisure facility provision
•
Section 8 - Development options
•
Section 9 - Development options evaluation
•
Section 10 - Conclusions and recommendations.
Page 2
SECTION 2
METHODOLOGY
SECTION 2 – METHODOLOGY
Introduction
2.1
A comprehensive and robust study methodology was developed to guide the review
process, as illustrated in Figure 2.1, with initial research stages undertaken in
accordance with guidance in Chapter 4 of the Companion Guide to PPG171 and best
practice guidance endorsed by Sport England.
Figure 2.1 Process Model
Briefing meeting
Identifying local needs
Auditing local provision
Understanding development needs
Stakeholder workshop
Development options
Progress report/ discussion paper
Client team meeting
Development options evaluation
Draft/ final reports
Dissemination seminar
2.2
Each of these stages, and the key tasks involved, are summarised below.
Briefing meeting
2.3
A comprehensive study briefing meeting and site visits were undertaken with the
client team, to explore the background to the project, supporting information, key
objectives and the proposed methodology.
Identifying local needs
2.4
1
A combination of research and consultation techniques were used to fully understand
existing local leisure and community facilities and services, gaps in provision, and
how they could be addressed in the future, including:
PPPG17 is the Planning Policy Guidance for open space, sport and recreation.
Page 3
•
strategic review/ trends review – a comprehensive review of local, regional
and national strategic documents of relevance to current and future leisure
and community provision in Welwyn Garden City was undertaken, including
research, strategies, plans etc from across the varied leisure and community
stakeholders. A list of documents reviewed is provided in Appendix A
•
stakeholder consultation – an extensive face-to-face and telephone
consultation programme was undertaken with leisure and community service
providers, partners and other stakeholders, in order to:
-
explore stakeholder objectives, concerns and aspirations
-
identify good practice, gaps in provision or opportunities being missed in
the form, range and quality of provision
-
assess the level of support for alternative provision options
-
explore key evaluation criteria against which alternative provision should
be tested and the implications of these options.
The client team informed the initial list of consultees which evolved during the
study process and a total of over 30 organisations and individuals were finally
consulted, a list of which is provided in Appendix B.
•
residents postal survey – this was undertaken in December 2005 and
January 2006 to ensure a statistically representative assessment of local
residents views on leisure and community provision within the area.
A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and sent to 1100 households
using a database of residents that had agreed to be involved in ongoing
research projects. Survey questions covered issues such as the activity
profile of residents, facility specific feedback, factors restricting use of
facilities, facilities used outside Welwyn Garden City and future provision
required.
•
a total of 474 were returned, equating to an above average response of 43%,
which was particularly good considering the timing of the survey close to
Christmas. Of the 474 respondees, 51% were female, with 46% male. The
remaining 3% did not provide a response. A significant majority of
respondents were White and British. 42% of respondents belonged to the 4059 age category, while 34% were between 60 and 75. 11% were over 75,
while 13% of respondents were aged between 25 and 39. Therefore, the
limited response from younger people should be noted when considering the
survey findings. A copy of the questionnaire and a tabular summary of the
survey findings is provided in Appendix C, with key findings relating to
different facility types drawn out in Sections 4 to 7
•
centre user/ drop-in session surveys – to ensure that we obtained the
informed views of current users of leisure and community facilities and
services, 750 questionnaires (of the same design as the residents postal
survey), were distributed in December 2005 and January 2006, at key sites
across the town including Campus West, Gosling Sports Centre, Mill Green
Museum, Woodhall Community Centre, Douglas Tilbe House, Stanborough
Park and Panshanger Golf Course. A further 250 copies were also distributed
at the drop-in sessions (see below) and all surveys had freepost return
envelopes attached to encourage a high response rate
Page 4
•
from the 1000 surveys issued, 212 were returned, equating to a response of
21%, which was particularly good considering the timing of the survey close
to Christmas. Of the 212 respondees, 45% were female, with 50% male. The
remaining 5% did not provide a response. A significant majority of
respondents were White and British. 11% of respondents were aged under
25, while a further 16% were from the 25-39 age group. 25% belonged to the
40-59 age group, while 48% were over 60. A copy of the questionnaire and a
tabular summary of the survey findings is provided in Appendix C, with key
findings relating to different facility types drawn out in Sections 4 to 7
•
drop-in sessions – two drop-in sessions were held at the Howard Centre,
one in the afternoon and one in the evening, at which we consulted with local
residents about their use of local leisure and community facilities and
distributed centre user surveys (see above)
•
local advertising - the residents survey, centre users survey and drop-in
sessions were advertised using posters in all of the Council’s leisure and
community facilities, an article on the Council’s website, and announcement
on the local radio and in the local press
•
school internet survey – an internet based young people’s survey, which
was a simplified version of the resident’s postal survey, was developed for
administration during lessons at all local secondary schools before Christmas
2005. Unfortunately, due to the closure of schools following the Buncefield oil
explosion before Christmas, this survey was disrupted, and, despite repeated
communications with local schools, they were not able to finalise in January.
A limited response of only 147 surveys from Stanborough School and
Chancellors School was therefore achieved. 19% of respondents to the
school internet surveys were female, with 78% male. The remaining 3% did
not provide a response. The ages of survey respondents ranged from 11 to
15 years. It is recognised that Chancellors School is some distance from
Welwyn Garden City and this has been taken into account in the study
process
It should be noted that whilst we had hoped to get a higher response from the
school internet survey, in analysing the survey findings, there were consistent
messages from across all age groups consulted – both school children and
adults – and on this basis, we are confident that the findings presented in this
report are representative of all groups in the WGC community. Furthermore, a
representative of the local Youth Council was interviewed and they further
reinforced the same messages.
•
email, postal and text message service – to ensure that residents and
stakeholders could input into the research process using a variety of
communication methods, email, postal and text messaging options were
included within the local advertising, although there was a very limited take up
of these communication methods
•
stakeholder workshop – a research feedback and workshop session was
held with members of the Welwyn Hatfield Local Cultural Consortium
following completion of the surveys and consultation process in February
2005. Key findings to date were discussed with the Alliance Members and
feedback obtained on potential development needs identified. A list of
attendees at this workshop is provided in Appendix B
Page 5
•
demographic analysis – to understand the potential market for community
and leisure development within WGC and the surrounding area, we analysed
demographic indicators for both WGC and the wider Welwyn Hatfield
Borough.
Auditing local provision
2.5
A full audit of competing and complimentary leisure and community provision within
agreed catchment areas was undertaken. The catchment areas considered reflect
the typical drive times for the facilities in question, ranging from WGC only for
community provision, through to 15-minute drive times for sports halls, cultural and
commercial facilities. This process was supported by site visits where appropriate.
2.6
The audit information has then been mapped and subject to supply and demand
modelling and catchment area analysis where appropriate to help understand
whether provision meets local needs. This stage also provides essential information
to support any leisure and community standard setting within the SPD development
process.
2.7
Summary information on Mapping the FutureTM (MtF), PMP’s geo-demographic
mapping and data analysis system, which has been used to this support this process,
is provided in Appendix E.
Understanding development needs
2.8
Following the research, consultation and auditing process, detailed evaluation of
findings was undertaken to understand demand for potential development
opportunities identified. This involved appraisal of the need for potential development
opportunities identified using demand models where available and further
consultation and market testing with key stakeholders as well as operators and
developers as appropriate.
Development options/ evaluation
2.9
Building upon the findings from the above process, potential development
opportunities are identified in Section 8. The advantages and disadvantages of these
options are considered and case studies and best practice information from similar
developments are provided where available.
2.10
Evaluation of these options against key development criteria identified during the
study process is then undertaken. These criteria include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2.11
fit with Council/ other stakeholder objectives
technical viability - site, planning, site ownership, facility mix etc
market status – demand, competition, strategic role etc
lead agency (public vs private) and other partners
financial viability – capital cost, funding and operating position
viable management options
viable procurement/ delivery options.
Final summary conclusions and recommendations on viable development
opportunities, as well as guidance on the way forward, are then provided to inform
SPD development.
Page 6
SECTION 3
WELWYN GARDEN CITY DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT
SECTION 3 – WELWYN GARDEN CITY DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT
Introduction
3.1
Within this section we review key WGC development context issues identified during
the different elements of the study process that have informed our understanding of
leisure and community development needs within the town, and the subsequent
options development and evaluation processes.
3.2
These issues are categorised as follows:
1. Strategic WGC development context
2. Development site context
3. WGC planning context
4. Demographic context.
3.3
Within each of these categories we consider current and future context issues and
their impact on development needs and opportunities for the two areas under
consideration, in preparation for the identification and evaluation of development
options in Sections 8 and 9. A summary of the key issues emerging in relation to
each context category is provided after they are reviewed, for ease of reference.
1. Strategic WGC development context
3.4
Now more than 80 years old, WGC was the vision of social reformer and town
planning pioneer Sir Ebenezer Howard, and was built upon the principles of
Howard’s first garden city at Letchworth, completed in 1903. Designed by architect
Louis de Soissons, the original town master plan of 1920 still remains in place,
characterised by the location of the town centre with the main shops and civic
facilities on one side of the railway line and land for industry on the other. This
afforded direct access by train for both goods and people, with surrounding housing
areas, parks and countryside all within easy walking and cycling distance. Together,
these elements define Ebenezer Howard’s original vision of the “garden city” as “a
town designed for healthy living and industry”.
3.5
The Council is committed to preserving the garden city ideal and the distinctive
character of the town, and to producing a fine balance between conservation and
development. The Council is also keen to improve the centre of WGC while keeping
to the principles of its original design, in order to ensure that the centre continues to
thrive and remains commercially strong. A number of studies into town retail
development have therefore been undertaken recently.
3.6
The industrial heritage of the town began in 1925 with opening of the Shredded
Wheat factory, and the Cereal Partners silos are now a familiar landmark in the town.
Healthcare companies played a leading role in the manufacturing history of WGC,
with Roche Products the first major healthcare company to locate in the town in
1937. Roche Products have recently relocated their UK headquarters from
Broadwater Road to Shire Park in WGC, while Cereal Partners are also planning to
withdraw from Broadwater Road by 2008. It should also be noted that the Cereal
Partners silos and a building on the Roche Products site, also have listed status.
3.7
The town has now developed into a thriving international business centre for
companies specialising in electronics, high technology, food processing and
healthcare. The Howard Centre was built in early 1990s, and includes a range of high
street shops, with access to the railway and bus stations. The borough of Welwyn
Hatfield houses 3600 businesses employing 64,000 people. Firms with less than 100
employees account for third of jobs in the borough.
Page 7
3.8
Welwyn Hatfield has excellent transport links to major motorways and the main
railway network. The borough is located 25 miles north of Central London, with the
A1(M) passing through Welwyn Hatfield and connecting with the M25 less than five
miles away. The main east coast railway line from London to the North East and
Scotland runs through the borough with regular services from Kings Cross calling at
Welwyn Garden City. For air travel, Luton Airport is 12 miles away, and Heathrow
and Gatwick can be accessed via the M25. In addition, Stansted Airport is only a
short drive away from Welwyn Hatfield.
Strategic WGC development context – impact on leisure and community needs/
opportunities
Key findings from the above context review that impact on this leisure and community
review process include:
• the historic status of the town as a Garden City is key to the development of WGC,
and Welwyn Hatfield Council is keen that the principles of the town’s original design
are upheld in the future
• major companies currently located at Broadwater Road are in the process of
relocating from the site, leaving behind an important legacy including a highly
recognisable listed buildings
• the town is an attractive place to live, work and visit. A thriving business centre and
strong transport links to London and neighbouring towns make WGC a desirable
location for future development.
2. Development site context
3.9
Summary information on the Broadwater Road West and Town Centre areas under
consideration, is provided below. A map illustrating the two areas is also provided in
this section.
Broadwater Road West
3.10
This site, which sits within the Welwyn Garden City Industrial Area (EA1), runs from
Cereal Partners down to the Roche buildings, and is sandwiched between the railway
line and Broadwater Road to the East of the town centre.
3.11
The site is connected the town centre by a railway footbridge controlled by Network
Rail.
3.12
As noted above, the site currently houses a series of industrial buildings including the
Roche Products, until their recent relocation to Shire Park, and Cereal Partners,
which plans to relocate by 2008. Some of the buildings on the site have not been
used for some years, and as other businesses relocate, a significant portion will soon
become disused.
3.13
The Council therefore recognise this site as a key area for planned regeneration
using mixed-use development including employment, housing, leisure and rail-related
uses, and this is identified and supported by Policy EMP3 in the Local Plan. Policy
EMP3 arose out of the Inspector’s report into objections to the District Plan. The
Policy identifies Broadwater Road West as an opportunity site for regeneration for a
mix of uses including leisure subject to the production of an SPD that would identify
the amount of employment land that could be released.
Page 8
3.14
This Leisure and Community Review will also help to inform the SPD by providing
background for the Council to decide what elements of leisure and community
provision could be developed on the site if land is released from employment uses.
The Campus
3.15
This area covers contains the main civic, cultural and community buildings and uses
in the town, including the Council Offices, Oaklands College campus, Campus West
theatre and library complex. It also contains a number of car parks, which serve the
town centre as a whole, particularly for long stay parking.
3.16
This mix of uses is considered to function well on the edge of the town centre, close
to the shopping core and to the bus and railway stations, allowing linked trips to be
made.
3.17
Oaklands College is looking to sell off the majority of their site, retaining only a small
town centre facility and Welwyn Garden Police Station may also potentially relocate
in the future.
3.18
Recognising the opportunity that this presents for the town centre, the Council is
keen to see this area developed as a mixed-use development (inc leisure, new build
residential and offices) to enhance the sustainability and vitality of the centre.
3.19
The Council also wishes to see this area retained for civic, cultural and community
uses. Therefore, should any existing uses become redundant, the Council would
allow change of use or redevelopment involving a mix of offices, leisure, food & drink,
cultural, community, education and residential uses (Classes A3, B1 (a), C3, D1 and
D2). The District Plan Policy TCR5 identifies the Campus East Development Site
(which includes the existing Waitrose supermarket and adjoining car parks) for mixed
use development comprising retail, office and residential uses. The retail element is
for convenience goods floorspace only.
3.20
The Council is also keen to improve the pedestrian connectivity between different
areas of WGC town centre, and may consider developing an improved road system
around the Howard Centre, passing through the existing multi-storey car park.
3.21
Both the Broadwater Road West and Town Centre areas are illustrated on Map 3.1
Page 9
Map 3.1 Development sites
The
Campus
3. WGC planning context
3.22
The Welwyn Hatfield District Plan 2005 is the new local plan for the borough of
Welwyn Hatfield for the period up to 2011. It contains the local planning framework,
policies and proposals, which will guide the development and use of land in the
borough and against which the Council will consider planning applications. Together
with the Structure Plan, the Waste Plan, and the Minerals Local Plan, it forms the
statutory development plan for the borough and provides the key planning context for
the two areas proposed for development. This will be supplemented by the Welwyn
Garden City Town Centre and Campus East SPD and the Broadwater Road West
SPD.
Page 10
3.23
The current Structure Plan for the borough is the Hertfordshire Structure Plan Review
1991-2011, which was adopted in April 1998. This provides the strategic policies for
Welwyn Hatfield. The Structure Plan requires that all development in Hertfordshire
should be consistent with the principles of sustainable development and sets the
housing requirement for the borough for the period from 1991-2011.
3.24
The Regional Planning Guidance Note for the South East (RPG9) was published in
March 2001 and prepared for period up to 2016. This will be replaced by the East of
England Plan in 2007.Other plans and strategies which form important context to
local plan, and of relevance to this study, are:
3.25
•
Economic Development Strategy - this is a statutory plan produced by the
Council, which sets out the steps to be taken to promote the development of
the local economy. The current strategy proposes action to attract and
support businesses, encourage an adequate supply of business premises
and revitalise town centres
•
Town Centre Strategies - strategies for both Hatfield and Welwyn Garden
City town centres have been prepared by the Council and its partners. These
provide the overall vision for the future of the two town centres
•
Cultural Strategy – this strategy titled 'Enjoying Life' replaced the 1999 2005 Leisure Strategy in 2003 and sets out the strategy for leisure and
cultural provision and participation in the borough
•
Health Improvement Programme - prepared by the Welwyn Hatfield
Primary Care Group, this contains the local plan of action to improve health
and modernise health services. It has links with housing conditions,
employment and health facilities.
Planning issues drawn from the Local Plan that relate to leisure and community
development opportunities within the town, and particularly the two key areas under
consideration, are summarised in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 Relevant planning issues
Issue
Detail
Improving
quality of life
in the
borough
•
Conservation
areas
•
•
•
New
developments
•
Facility
provision
(general
principals)
•
the overall aim of the District Plan is to improve quality of life in the borough,
identified as a key issue in Welwyn Hatfield through consultation with the
community
key objectives of the plan are to provide for development to meet the needs of
local people, to maintain and enhance the quality of the urban environment, to
foster a ‘sense of community,’ and to maintain the vitality and viability of Welwyn
Garden City
there are two conservation areas in Welwyn Garden City: the central part, and
the Beehive area
listed buildings include the Roche Products Factory at Broadwater Road, and the
Nabisco Shredded Wheat Factory. The Campus is an unregistered historic park
the design of new developments will be expected to respect and enhance local
distinctiveness and character, whilst allowing for innovative design and new
technology to be used
the local plan states that the provision of leisure, arts and cultural facilities will
need to be dynamic to meet the changing needs and expectations of both local
people and visitors to the borough. The general growth in tourism must also be
met sustainably and, for the economic benefit of the borough, by the provision of
new facilities and the enhancement of existing attractions
Page 11
Issue
Detail
•
•
•
Arts and
Cultural
Facilities
•
Tourism
•
•
•
Library
services
Community
Facilities
•
•
•
Places of
worship
Health
centres and
surgeries
Broadwater
Road West
•
•
•
•
•
Retailing and
Town Centres
•
policy CLT1 states that permission will not generally be granted for proposals
involving the loss of outdoor or indoor recreational and leisure facilities
policy CLT2 notes that the preferred location for new leisure facilities is in the
borough’s two town centres
policy CLT3 states that Welwyn Hatfield Council will grant planning permission
for proposals for the redevelopment of the Splashlands site at Stanborough Park,
subject to a number of criteria
policy CLT4 encourages the development of arts and cultural facilities in the
borough, provided that proposals exercise no harmful impacts on nearby
residential property, and does not cause “unacceptable nuisance in terms of
noise or traffic generation”
the plan notes that the borough is well placed to develop tourism in terms of its
location, its heritage and the number of visitor attractions already within its
boundary. There is also considerable untapped potential in terms of the heritage
of the Garden City
policy CLT5 states that the Council will permit development proposals for new
and improved tourist attractions and facilities according to same conditions of
CLT4
the plan notes that there is a shortage of hotel bed-spaces to support business
and tourist visitors. Policy CLT6 therefore states that Welwyn Hatfield Council will
grant planning permission for proposals which increase and improve hotel
accommodation within the borough. The preferred locations for hotels are in the
borough's town centres and on the designated sites on the Hatfield aerodrome
site
provision in Welwyn Garden City is thought to be adequate.
the Council aims to encourage community facilities which serve a wide
catchment to locate within central areas in towns, whilst provision geared to more
local needs and demands is facilitated within local borough centres and
residential areas. The Council is seeking to improve and enhance community
facility provision and will therefore welcome applications for such developments.
The dual use of buildings for sustainable community provision is also to be
encouraged
policy CLT12 notes that permission will be granted in residential areas, subject to
certain caveats, in new residential developments, and where the demand for the
facility in an area is sufficient for the catchment of the proposed facility
the Council sees multi-denominational buildings as the most effective solution.
Policy CLT14 states that new or extensions to existing places of worship will be
granted permission where it is demonstrated that the use and choice of location
will only serve a local community
according to policy CLT15, the provision of new or extended surgeries and other
medical or health services will be granted planning permission, subject to a
number of criteria
as noted in paras 1.4 to 1.6, Broadwater Road West is identified by policy EMP3
as an opportunity area of planned regeneration for mixed-use development
comprising primarily employment, housing, leisure and rail-related uses.
Development of the site shall be in accordance with the criteria in Policy EMP2
and other relevant policies of the Plan. Development shall also comply with a
Development Brief, which shall include the minimum quantum of Class B
floorspace to be provided on the site
there are Grade 2 listed buildings on both the Cereal Partners and Roche
Products sites
land on the north side of Welwyn Garden City town centre - between John Lewis
and The Howard Centre, bounded by Wigmores North, Bridge Road, Stonehills,
Osborn Way and Stonebank is identified for retail development by the local plan,
to accommodate the need for comparison goods retail floorspace
Page 12
Issue
Detail
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
New housing
development
•
•
in addition, land at Campus East (on the north side of Bridge Road, incorporating
the existing Waitrose supermarket and the car parks to the rear) and land at the
southern side of the town centre (between Fretherne Road and Parkway,
incorporating the existing Sainsbury's supermarket and car park) provide
opportunities for additional convenience goods retail floorspace
the plan states that a better selection of such unit shops is required if the town
centre is to remain competitive and maintain its position in the retail hierarchy
the primary retail core of Welwyn Garden City is the preferred location for retail
uses
policy TCR4 states that land at Town Centre North is identified for a major retail
development scheme, in particular for comparison goods
land at Campus East is identified by policy TCR5 for a mixed use development
comprising retail, office and residential uses
policy TCR6 identified land at the southern side of the town centre as an
opportunity for development, including additional convenience goods retailing,
together with cafés and restaurants and other uses in accordance with the town
centre strategy
policy TCR10 states that outside of the primary retail core of the Campus Area,
the Council will encourage the retention of existing civic, cultural, community and
leisure uses
policy TCR13 notes that the Council will seek to maintain and enhance the
unique architectural character of, and the quality of the environment in, Welwyn
Garden City town centre. All new development must be designed to respect the
architectural style of the town centre and enhance the public realm
policy H1 allocates land in Welwyn Garden City town centre, for new housing
development during the plan period
during the District Plan consultation review process, the Planning Inspector
decided that the Broadwater Road West area represented an opportunity for
mixed use development comprising primarily employment, leisure, residential and
rail-related uses (Policy EMP3).
WGC planning context - impact on leisure and community needs/ opportunities
Key findings from the above context review that impact on this leisure and community review
process include:
• Welwyn Hatfield Council is committed to improving quality of life for residents of WGC and the
wider borough
• the Local Plan provides a range of guidance regarding different types of leisure provision, and
the two key areas under consideration, which are also drawn out in later sections of this report.
4. Demographic context
3.26
To provide a broad understanding of the nature of the market for community and
leisure developments within both WGC and Welwyn Hatfield Borough as a whole, we
have undertaken a review of demographic indicators (also based on Census 2001).
Page 13
3.27
A summary of the demographic profile for the town of WGC (including WGC wards
only), which has a population of circa 45,000, focussing on those characteristics that
are relevant to the viability of community and leisure provision, is provided in Table
3.2.
Table 3.2 Demographic profile of WGC
Indicator
Age profile
Ethnic
origin
Economic
activity
Car
availability
by
household
(mobility)
Social
class
Total
population
Welwyn Garden City residents profile
• proportion of children and young people
slightly above GB average (26.1% compared
to a national average of 24.6%)
• numbers of people aged between 20 and 50
slightly below national average (53%
compared to a GB average of 54.5%)
• proportion of over 60s in line with GB figures
• low proportion of ethnic minorities: 94% of
the population are white compared to GB
proportion of 90.9%
• proportion of people in full and part-time
employment is in excess of GB figures, at
63% compared to a national average of
53.6%
• levels of employment are lower than GB
levels, with 2.2% recorded to be
unemployed, compared to 3.0%
• 12.6% of the population are retired,
compared to a GB average of 11.3%, and an
average in England and Wales of 9.9%
• 23.3% do not own a car, which is below the
GB average of 30.5%
• 76.5% own one car or more, compared to a
GB average of 69.5%
• ABC1s – high proportion of this group
(54.8%) compared to a GB percentage of
48.7%
• C2s and D groups are slightly below national
averages
• the proportion of unemployed and lowest
grade workers is below GB levels at 17.0%
compared to 19.2%
• total population of WGC in 2001 was 43,250
and is now 43,301
• this population was expected to rise by only
0.4% through to 2010
Relevance to community /
leisure facility provision
• provision of leisure and
community activities for
young people is of
particular importance in the
town
• no specific issues identified
• trends indicate that a
greater number of
households will have
above average disposable
income to spend on sport,
leisure and cultural
activities
• levels of car ownership
indicate the importance of
providing good public
transport links to leisure
and community facilities
• the proportion of ABC1s
resident in the area is
again indicative of a higher
propensity to participate in
sporting, leisure and
cultural activities
• the low projected growth
rates indicate that
investment in facilities
now will ensure that future
needs are also well
catered for
Page 14
3.28
A profile of Welwyn Hatfield borough, generated with data from the ONS, is provided
in the grey box below.
Welwyn Hatfield Council – key statistics
•
•
•
•
•
•
3.29
in mid-2003 Welwyn Hatfield Borough had an estimated 97,900 residents, of whom
6% were children under 5, and 19% were of retirement age. Between 1991 and 2003,
the population of the borough grew by 4%, compared with an increase of 11% for the
East region as a whole. In mid 2003, the average age of Welwyn Hatfield was 38.8
years, which is in line with national statistics
94% of the population of Welwyn Hatfield is white
in 2001, 92.6% of the population described their health as good or fairly good. 15.3%
reported a limiting long term illness, compared to a national average of 18.2%
in the Indices of Deprivation 2004, Welwyn Hatfield was ranked at 249 out of 354 local
authorities in England, where 1 was the most deprived area and 354 the least deprive.
Welwyn Hatfield ranked 241 on the rank of income scale, and 264 on the rank of
employment scale. However, the borough does contain some pockets of deprivation,
including the Peartree ward in WGC
the 2001 Census reported an unemployment rate of 2.0 per cent of all economically
active people aged 16-74
also in 2001, 21% of households in the borough did not have a car or van, compared
to 27% in England and Wales as a whole. Households with access to two or more
cars or vans accounted for 37 per cent of all households in Welwyn Hatfield,
compared to a national average of 29%.
The Local Plan 2005 states that some of the key population changes in recent years
have been the reduction in children of school age, the growth in the number of elderly
people, the increased number of single person households, a general rise in
disposable income and increasing awareness of the benefits of active leisure
activities on health. Over the plan period, it is expected that the number of children of
school age will increase slightly, but the other trends will continue.
Demographic context - impact on leisure and community needs/ opportunities
Key findings from the above context review that impact on this leisure and community
review process include:
• our review has revealed a number of key trends indicative of a high propensity to
undertake sporting, leisure and cultural activities in WGC
• provision of facilities and activities for young people is particularly important in the town
• the catchment area contains a high proportion of retired people, and those over 60,
whose specific leisure needs must not be overlooked.
Page 15
SECTION 4
INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY PROVISION
SECTION 4 – INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY PROVISION
Introduction
4.1
Within this section we review the various findings from our research and consultation
programme, relating to the need and development opportunities for indoor sports
facility provision within WGC and the two development sites under consideration.
4.2
In national sports facility planning terms, core community sports facilities typically
include swimming pool, sports hall and health and fitness provision, and extensive
facility planning information is available to support demand assessment for these
facilities, including national guidance on usage parameters and specialist modelling
techniques. This core community facility provision is supported by wider specialist
sports facility provision including indoor tennis, squash, indoor bowls, climbing etc,
for which demand typically needs to be assessed on a more localised basis, drawing
upon all available information.
4.3
This community vs specialist sports facility provision structure therefore informed our
approach to this study, with swimming pools, health and fitness, as well as sports
halls being subject to detailed supply and demand modelling, whilst other provision
was subject to a higher level review of provision relative to typical market demand.
4.4
However, in the early stages of the research process, we became aware, as a result
of consultee and public feedback as well as initial audit findings, that indoor bowls
was a particularly topical issue locally due to the closure of provision at Gosling
Sports Park. In contrast, there was generally considered to be good indoor sports hall
and specialist sports facility provision, largely due to concentration of these facilities
at Gosling Sports Park, a unique facility for a town the size of Welwyn Garden City.
4.5
It was therefore agreed that whilst all facilities would be assessed in a robust way
building upon industry best practice, swimming pools, health and fitness and indoor
bowls would be subject to individual assessment, whilst other provision would be
subject to a combined assessment approach.
4.6
Each of the facility types is reviewed in turn below, following an initial review of
relevant strategic context issues. We have aimed to make the following sections as
concise as possible, using bullet point style and focussing on key relevant issues.
Additional supporting information is provided in the appendices to this report where
considered appropriate.
Strategic context for indoor sports
4.7
Key findings from the strategic review of relevance to the need and potential
opportunity for indoor sports provision in WGC are summarised in Table 4.1 below.
Table 4.1 Summary strategic context information relating to indoor sport
Document
Welwyn Hatfield
District Plan
2005
Statements relating to need & development opportunities
• the overall aim of the District Plan is to improve quality of life in the
borough, identified as a key issue in Welwyn Hatfield, through consultation
with the community. Key objectives of the plan are to provide for
development to meet the needs of local people, to maintain and enhance
the quality of the urban environment, to foster a ‘sense of community,’ and
to maintain the vitality and viability of WGC
• the local plan (Policy CLT2) states that the provision of leisure facilities
will need to be dynamic to meet the changing needs and expectations of
both local people and visitors to the borough. Policy CL2 notes that the
preferred location for new leisure facilities is in the borough’s two town
Page 16
Document
The Welwyn
Hatfield
Corporate Plan
2006 - 2010
Appeal Decision,
David Tester,
regarding Vosper
Building, AL7
1RX, August
2004
Swimming
Development
Proposal for the
Welwyn Hatfield
Area, March
2003
Swimming
Provision in
Welwyn Hatfield:
Analysis by
Sport England,
2001
“Enjoy!” A
Cultural Strategy
for Hertfordshire
Enjoying Life:
Making the Most
of Living in
Welwyn Hatfield
Statements relating to need & development opportunities
centres, while policy CLT3 states that Welwyn Hatfield Council will grant
planning permission for proposals for the redevelopment of the
Splashlands site at Stanborough Park, subject to a number of criteria
• it was noted during the local plan enquiry that the policies of the Local
Plan do not preclude the investigation of restoring former school
swimming pools in WGC to public use
• promise 4 is committed to promoting a sense of community in the
Borough, through supporting and investing in Welwyn Hatfield’s arts,
sports and heritage; working through the Welwyn Hatfield Alliance to
promote community involvement and a sense of belonging; regenerating
and improving the town centres and neighbourhood centres; and
maintaining services for older people
• the decision by David Tester noted “residents of WGC are disadvantaged
by the need to travel outside the town to reach public swimming facilities.”
However, it was also noted that “Sport England consider that there is more
than sufficient water space” in the Welwyn Hatfield borough.”
• decision also stated that “it is clear that there is a strong growth in this
activity [ie health and fitness] and that a demand for further facilities exists
in the area…. I accept that a facility/facilities could beneficially be located
in the north of the Borough over and above the two existing sites to the
south of Welwyn..”
• paragraph 4.6 of the proposal incorporates a Facility Development
Objective “to ensure that all residents of Welwyn Hatfield have easy
access to well managed swimming pools offering a range of casual and
programmed activities, sited in locations convenient to users.” Actions
related to these objectives were as follows:
- “to prepare a facility development plan for swimming pools in the
borough
- to consider how to provide for the local needs of swimmers in Welwyn
Hatfield
- to consider the potential for more community use of Monk’s Walk
School pool
- to review pool programming to offer wider opportunities for
participation
- to carry out a feasibility study to upgrade the Hatfield Swim Centre
- to seek to use the University of Herts pool to complement the Hatfield
Swim centre
- to seek to meet the access requirements of the Disability
Discrimination Act 1995.
• this report concluded that “on the basis of the assumptions implicit in the
operation of the Facility Planning Model, there is more than sufficient
water space in Welwyn Hatfield to meet anticipated future demand for
swimming in the borough.” However, the report also accepted that “people
in WGC do not enjoy such easy access to pools as those in Hatfield, and
that a greater proportion of those in Welwyn without cars, especially those
in the east of the town, are disadvantaged.”
• Enjoy! Message 1 aims to make Hertfordshire a more prosperous place to
live, work or visit, while Message 2 aims to encourage children and young
people to access and enjoy cultural and leisure activities. Message 4
refers to the need to enable all members of the community to access
cultural and leisure pursuits, while Message 6 commits to working in
partnership with national, regional and local agencies to deliver a range of
cultural and leisure activities
•
theme 1 of this document aims to help young people develop their
potential, while Theme 3 aims to make Welwyn Hatfield a more attractive,
healthy and safe place to live, work and visit
Page 17
Swimming pools
4.8
Swimming pool specific findings from the wider research and consultation
programme are summarised below.
Market research
4.9
Detailed analysis of the postal, user/ drop-in session and school internet survey
findings is provided in Appendix C. Within this section we draw out the key findings of
relevance to swimming pool provision.
Residents postal survey analysis
4.10
Key findings from the postal survey analysis process of relevance to the need for
swimming pool provision are as follows:
•
respondents indicated that in order to go for a swim, they travel to Hatfield
Swim Centre and other swimming facilities in Hertford
•
respondents also identified standards of cleanliness (too low), pricing (too
high) and overcrowding as issues with Hatfield Swim Centre, although this
may not take into account recent facility improvements
•
when asked for any additional comments or suggestions for how facilities in
WGC could be improved, 37 people (8% of respondents) identified a need to
provide a swimming pool, without being prompted and this response was split
across all age groups.
User and drop-in session survey analysis
4.11
4.12
Key findings from the user and drop-in session survey analysis process, of relevance
to the need for swimming pool provision, are as follows:
•
respondents indicated that in order to go for a swim, they travel to Hatfield
Swim Centre and other swimming facilities in Hertford
•
respondents also identified issues with cleanliness at Hatfield Swim Centre
although in comparison to the postal survey, there were no common themes
related to the issue of overcrowding. Again, this may not take into account
recent facility improvement
•
when asked for any additional comments or suggestions for how facilities in
WGC could be improved, 147 people (69% of respondents) identified a need
to provide a swimming pool, without being prompted and this response was
split across all age groups.
Key findings from the school internet survey analysis process of relevance to the
need for swimming pool provision are as follows:
•
59% of respondents indicated that the quality of Hatfield Swim Centre was
good or satisfactory; only 11% said they did not know – indicating that many
children know of, or have used, Hatfield Swim Centre.
Page 18
Cross-survey analysis
4.13
Key findings from the cross-survey analysis process of relevance to the need and
potential opportunity for swimming pool provision were as follows:
•
quality and capacity issues were identified as issues with using Hatfield Swim
Centre, although we believe that many of these will have been addressed
following recent improvements
•
there was a general view across all surveys that there is a lack of swimming
pools in WGC. The need for a swimming pool in WGC was raised 184 times
on written responses to the three different questionnaires and a selection of
these comments is provided below:
Survey quotations regarding the need for swimming pool provision
“The main issue is the provision of a swimming pool.”
“I would suggest a swimming pool, as this would benefit all the local schools (save travelling
to Hatfield) and it is a fun way to gain exercise, also a Jacuzzi & sauna type area for the more
sophisticated teens or mature adults. It would be a good meeting place and would help
promote exercise.”
“We desperately need a swimming pool – this would greatly benefit the local schools and
mothers with toddlers and could provide a local swimming club. It would also be widely used
by adults. Convenience would be a great factor in its provision.”
“A swimming pool in WGC would serve the whole community including school groups, the
swimming club and provide organised fitness activities (whole - life fitness) for able &
disabled etc. We need a swimming pool nearer than Hatfield.”
“Our own swimming pool is desirable in a town of this size.”
“We need a central indoor leisure facility with a swimming pool.”
“The swim centre at Hatfield does not meet our current requirements for a family friendly, fun
leisure pool. Development of a new leisure pool in the Welwyn/ Hatfield area would be a very
welcome and popular improvement to the city.”
Development opportunities
4.14
From an analysis of the survey responses, there appears to be demand for a new
swimming pool in WGC from both local residents and other users of sports facilities
in the Borough. This provision could help address the issues with capacity at Hatfield
Swim Centre.
4.15
If a new swimming pool was to be developed in WGC, then pricing should be
carefully set to optimise usage.
Consultation
4.16
Key findings from the broad consultation process (stakeholder consultation,
workshop and email/ postal/ text messaging service) of relevance to the need and
potential opportunity for swimming pool provision are as follows:
Page 19
Need for swimming pool provision
•
many consultees noted the lack of a swimming pool in WGC, and suggested
that demand exists for a facility within the town. This is thought to have
become a particular issue following the closure of the open-air swimming pool
at Stanborough Park. However, there is also a view that this ‘loss of a
previous pool’ may be an issue of perception rather than reality, as it was an
open-air swimming pool that was only open during the spring and summer,
and therefore actual usage was very limited
•
it is suggested, by the Local Cultural Consortium, that an alternative to
swimming pool provision at Stanborough Park would be some form of water
feature, which would be attractive to families
•
transport to swimming pool and other facilities, both in Hatfield and further a
field, especially for young people and for those without access to a car was
identified as a key issue by consultees. It was suggested that there may be
opportunities to make central savings, perhaps through a review of the two
local leisure trusts, which could then be used to finance an improved transport
system
•
the Monks Walk School Swim Club hires the pool at Monks Walk School; this
is the only place where members of the public can swim in WGC. However, it
is felt that this facility is now in poor condition
•
Finesse Leisure has reported a current dip in the volumes of casual
swimming undertaken at its facilities. This is reflective of a drop in casual
swimming activity across the UK which is recognised by a number of national
bodies. Finesse is therefore seeking to develop branded swimming products,
and to move away from reliance upon casual swimming. They have also
indicated an interest in developing a swimming pool in WGC providing that
this was part of a health and fitness venture believing that the revenue costs
of the swimming pool could be met out of the revenues from the new health
and fitness activities. Finesse Leisure recognises that Welwyn Hatfield
Council are not in a position to fund the capital cost of such a project, but they
are interested in seeking capital funding from developers
•
the swimming pool at the University of Hertfordshire does attract some users
from WGC, particularly for swimming lessons, which are offered in smaller
groups but at a higher price than by Finesse Leisure. Nevertheless, the
majority of users are drawn from Hatfield and St Albans. The University is
“looking to add” a 50m pool to their facilities, although there are no detailed
plans at this stage. Currently, the University has an 8 lane, 25m pool
•
Gosling Sports Park is currently planning a redevelopment of its facilities, to
include a 120 station gym, new changing rooms, entrance reception, aerobics
studios and a professional spa with 6 treatment rooms. Included within the
professional spa is a small pool with saunas and steam rooms on pool side.
In addition the golf driving range will be refurbished and extended (phase 2)
and the current cafe bar will be redeveloped as a Cafe Bar/Bistro. Gosling
Sports Park indicated that they would be interested in operating a traditional
swimming pool to complement the new development but, due to high capital
costs, would not be able to provide capital finance for such a project
Page 20
•
there was some disagreement among consultees regarding whether a
swimming pool in WGC would be economically viable, and whether it is only
being demanded by a small but vocal minority. Some felt that it would be a
better use of money to fund transport links between WGC and the swimming
facilities in Hatfield, ideally using a shuttle bus services, and to “make better
use” of existing facilities rather than construct new ones
•
the potential location of any new swimming provision was also subject to
debate. Whilst there was a view that provision should be town centre based to
support easy access from across the town, a location adjacent to existing
sporting facilities, such as Gosling Sports Park, would allow operational
economies of scale to be achieved
•
Sport England is of the view that there is ample swimming provision across
the region.
4.17
Key development opportunities identified during the consultation process, relating to
swimming pool provision in WGC, are therefore a new swimming pool, a fun water
park for young children and families at the former Splashlands site, or improved
access to other swimming facilities nearby.
Facility audit
4.18
A comprehensive review of existing and planned swimming pool provision within
WGC and within a 10 minute drivetime catchment area (the standard drivetime
recommended by Sport England) was undertaken. All provision identified is
illustrated below on Map 4.1. A full list of facilities can be found in Appendix D.
Map 4.1 Swimming pool facilities within a 10 minute drivetime from WGC
ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Site Name
Haileybury Sports Complex
Hatfield Swim Centre
Hertfordshire Sports Village
Next Generation Club, Hatfield
Odyssey Health & Fitness
Queenswood School
Monks Walk School Pool
Key:
AL8 6AE
10 Minute Drivetime
Public Facilities
Private Facilities
Club Use Facilities
Page 21
4.19
Summary information on key swimming pool provision within the 10 minute drivetime,
which could affect the viability of new development on either of the proposed
development sites, is provided in Table 4.2 below.
Table 4.2 Swimming facilities in a 10 minute catchment area from WGC
Map
ref
Facility
Facility details
Access
type
7
Monks Walk
Park School
•
•
Club use
✔
4
Next
Generation
Club Hatfield
•
•
Private
✘
2
Hatfield
Swim Centre
•
•
•
•
•
Public
✔
20m swimming pool
the school also has grass football
pitches and a synthetic turf pitch
(STP)
25m swimming pool
private health club with outdoor
swimming pool, splash pool, large
health and fitness gym (150
stations), squash courts and
climbing wall
33m main swimming pool
diving pool
learner pool
health and fitness gym (23 stations)
spa facility
Included in
supply and
demand
model ✔ or ✘
4.20
The analysis indicates that within a 10 minute catchment area there are three
swimming pools and out of these facilities only Hatfield Swim Centre provides full
public access.
4.21
There is public access to the swimming pool at Monks Walk School although only if
you are a member of a swimming club. This facility has a 20m swimming pool not a
“competition standard” 25m swimming pool. Swimming clubs should ideally be
training in a 25m competition standard swimming pool.
4.22
To use the swimming pool at Next Generation Club you have to become a member
of the whole club. However, if you are a member of this facility, you have access to a
wide range of sports and leisure facilities. This facility is premium priced and is
unlikely to be accessible to residents in WGC on low incomes.
4.23
When examining the location of swimming pools in the catchment area, there is a
concentration of facilities in the south of the catchment area in Hatfield. The only
pool in WGC is the one at Monks Walk School and this has limited public access.
4.24
There are two other swimming pool facilities just on or outside the 10 minute
catchment area. Hertfordshire Sports Village in the south has a 25m national
standard short course swimming pool as well as various other high quality sports
facilities primarily serving the needs of students at the University of Herts. Odyssey
Health and Fitness in the far north of the catchment area is a private health and
fitness club and has a 25m swimming pool, squash courts and an 80 station fitness
gym.
Page 22
Planned facilities
4.25
A review of planned facilities in the catchment area has been undertaken. Planned
facilities are identified using PMP’s associate database company Glenigans. A
detailed list of planned facilities identified can be found in Appendix D.
4.26
The review has not identified any planned swimming pools within the 10 minute
drivetime. However, an office, retail and leisure development planned for Arlington
Business Park in Stevenage may provide a swimming pool. If a pool is provided it is
likely to part of a private health club development and accessible to members only.
4.27
The 2 lane pool proposed at the new Gosling Sports Park spa and fitness suite is not
included in the supply and demand model as small pools of this nature do not meet
access requirements for modelling purposes.
4.28
There is also another Next Generation Health Club in planning at Hertford. This is
likely to provide a swimming pool but again it would be accessible to members only.
4.29
Within a 20 minute drivetime, a City Academy is being planned at Barnet College.
This is likely to include a swimming pool although there are no specific details
available at the time of writing this report.
Demand modelling
Key principles
4.30
Using PMP’s in-house supply and demand modelling software, Mapping the
FutureTM, which builds upon Sport England guidance, we have assessed the level of
need for additional swimming pool provision in WGC.
4.31
The basis of all demand assessments is an analysis of the demographic profile of the
resident population within a specified catchment area. Sport England has set out
specific catchment areas to focus on when analysing the need for certain sports
facilities. As indicated in the facility audit section above, the catchment area used for
swimming pools is a 10 minute drivetime area.
4.32
Certain assumptions relating to demand levels within these catchment areas have
been applied based on demographic profiles and industry trends. A list of key
assumptions used in the analysis is illustrated below (please see Appendix E for the
detailed assumptions in each model):
•
definition of normal peak periods
•
proportion of expected visits during peak times (%)
•
average duration of visit (mins)
•
average frequency of visits (times per week)
•
“at one time” capacity (no. of persons per unit of space)
•
penetration of users reflect the “sport and leisure potential profile” of the
catchment area
•
reductions of demand levels to reflect “home users” or those that choose
other locations and environments to exercise.
Page 23
4.33
As a result of the fast changing nature and high rate of development of indoor sport
and recreation facilities, and the effect that changing participation rates can have on
the local requirement for facilities, future supply and demand has been measured
only up to 2010.
4.34
Different scenarios are presented in the model, which incorporate planned facilities in
different phases of the planning stage. Assumptions are made as to the specification
of facilities to be provided if this detail is not known. Where possible, it is assumed
that facilities will be “average” in size eg for swimming pools, a standard 6 lane 25m
swimming pool is assumed.
4.35
There is also an alternative future scenario to consider. This assumes that Sport
England’s Game Plan targets are met. The target is for 70% of the population to be
physically active for 30 minutes, five times per week by 2020. Therefore, scenarios
are presented:
4.36
4.37
•
existing situation (using 2001 Census data)
•
“full development scenario” - where all facilities in the planning stages come
to fruition (using predicted population data for 2010)
•
“most likely” scenario - where only those developments that have planning
permission or are currently under construction will come to fruition (using
predicted population data for 2010)
•
Game Plan adjusted (using projected population data for 2010).
When assessing supply levels of facilities in the catchment area, the terms private,
public, club and dual use facilities are defined as follows:
•
public – public leisure centres or clubs with unrestricted public access
•
private – facilities where there is no “pay and play” access for the general
public and membership is required
•
dual use – leisure facilities that only allow public access during out of school
hours and holidays
•
club use – facilities that can only be hired out as a whole, to clubs and
associations, usually on a block booking system.
Following standards set by Sport England, each model assumes different levels of
access and “availability” for the above types of facility. For example, if a 25m, 8 lane
swimming pool has an access type of “dual use”, the total amount of water space
available (400m2) would be reduced in the model to 300m2 to take account of the
reduced availability of the pool during school hours.
Swimming pool supply and demand
4.38
The results of the supply and demand analysis for swimming pools are presented in
Table 4.3 overleaf. The full supply and demand models can be found in Appendix E.
Page 24
Table 4.3 Swimming pool supply and demand model result (exc Hertfordshire
Sports Village)
Scenarios
Existing
Full development scenario
2010 (assumes all planned
Demand
(m2)
677
681
Supply (m2)
651
651
Oversupply/ shortfall
(m2)
Shortfall of 26m2
Shortfall of 30m2
681
651
Shortfall of 30m2
824
651
Shortfall of 173 m2
developments come to fruition)
Most likely scenario 2010
(assumes only developments which
have received planning permission
come to fruition)
Game plan adjusted 2010
4.39
The results illustrate a small shortfall of swimming pool facilities in the catchment
area in all four development scenarios. For example there is currently a shortfall of
only 26m2. A standard 25m 6 lane swimming pool has water space equivalent to
300m2 so the results indicate that the supply of swimming pools meet demand now
and in 2010. The Game Plan adjusted figure does, however, demonstrate a much
larger shortfall of swimming pool space, suggesting the potential for sufficient future
demand to support local provision.
4.40
As noted above, the Hertfordshire Sports Village is currently excluded from
these calculations, as it falls outside of the 10 minute drivetime of WGC.
However, recognising that the this facility lies on the edge of the catchment
area, it may have been included if the central postcode point utilised was
different, and that it is within a 10 minute drive time for many Welwyn Garden
City residents, we consider it pragmatic to consider the impact of its inclusion
in the demand modelling, the results of which are illustrated below. Table 4.4
illustrates that when this facility is included it results in an oversupply of
swimming pool space equating to 270sqm (or 127 sqm - Game Plan adjusted),
as illustrated below.
Table 4.4 Swimming pool supply and demand model result (incl. Hertfordshire
Sports Village)
Scenarios
Existing
Demand
(m2)
677
681
Supply (m2)
951
951
Oversupply/ shortfall
(m2)
Oversupply of 274m2
Oversupply of 270sqmm2
681
951
Oversupply of 270m2
824
951
Oversupply of 127 m2
come to fruition)
Page 25
Swimming provision need/ opportunities
Key findings from the above review that impact on the need/ opportunities for swimming pool
provision as part of any future development include:
• the results of the public consultation exercise illustrate a clear demand for new swimming
pool provision in WGC
• the strategic context review indicates previous differences of opinion about the level of
need for additional provision – whilst there is a recognised absence of swimming
provision in WGC, and a body of support for additional provision, there is sufficient
provision across the Borough as a whole but it is concentrated in Hatfield. The need for
local provision vs improved access, has therefore been considered in the report
• the results of the supply and demand modelling illustrate a very small shortfall of
swimming pool provision in a 10 minute drivetime catchment area (but not sufficient to
support additional provision) but if provision on the edge of the 10 minute drivetime
catchment area is included, the model indicates overprovision. However, it is recognised
that facilities are predominantly on the edge of the catchment area and there is limited
provision in the north of the Borough ie in WGC. If provision was made in WGC, it is
likely that there would be some displacement from Hatfield and that overall swimming
participation by WGC residents would increase
• if a swimming pool was to be provided, a WGC town centre location could support
improved access by public transport users but best practice would be to develop a
critical mass of facilities on Gosling Sports Park to achieve economies of scale
• both Finesse Leisure and Gosling Sports Park indicated that they would consider
operation of a new swimming pool but that capital funding support would be necessary,
as it would not generate sufficient returns to repay capital loans.
In summary, whilst an easily accessible swimming pool in WGC could be well used, need
could potentially be met through improved access to existing facilities. Furthermore, the town
centre and Broadwater Road are not optimal locations and capital funding would be required,
although one of the Trusts could operate any new provision. We recommend that in the short
term improved marketing of/ transport to Hatfield Swim Centre is essential – possibly via a
shuttle bus service. In the long term, we recommend that the Council provide general support
for the exploration trust or private sector led swimming pool development, possibly on the
Gosling Sports Park site, although this is not considered a financial priority for the Council. A
specific assessment of the displacement effect of new provision on Hatfield Swim Centre is
also required. Note – water feature development options for the former Splashlands
site, which many consultees referred to, are being considered in a separate study.
Health and fitness
Market research
4.41
Detailed analysis of the postal, user/ drop-in session, and internet survey findings, is
provided in Appendix C. Within this section we draw out the key findings of relevance
to health and fitness provision.
Postal survey analysis
4.42
health and fitness provision are as follows:
•
47% of respondents indicated they never go to a gym or take part in keep fit
exercises
•
more than 50% of respondents did not know the quality of health and fitness
clubs in the area, including Reflex Health and Fitness Suite and Next
Generation Club, which suggests they may never have visited these sites
Page 26
•
39% of respondents rated the level of provision of gym/ fitness facilities as
about right/ more than enough (43% did not respond to this question).
4.43
Key findings from the user and drop-in session survey analysis process of relevance
to the need for health and fitness provision are as follows:
•
31% of respondents indicated they go to the gym/ keep fit at least once a
week, whilst 36% never go to the gym/ keep fit
•
more than 50% of respondents did not know the quality of health and fitness
clubs in the area including Reflex Health and Fitness Suite and Next
Generation, which again suggests limited experience of these sites
•
43% of respondents rated the level of provision of gym/ fitness facilities as
about right/ more than enough (40% did not respond to this question or did
not have an opinion).
School internet survey analysis
4.44
need for health and fitness provision are as follows:
•
30% of respondents indicated they go to the gym/ keep fit at least once a
week but 33% also indicated they never go to the gym/ keep fit
•
47% of respondents did not know the quality of Reflex Health and Fitness
Suite and 59% did not know the quality of Next Generation
•
when asked to list what new facilities they would like to be provided, gyms/
fitness facilities was the second most common response (45% of
respondents).
4.45
potential opportunity for health and fitness provision were as follows:
•
high percentages of respondents to the surveys do not go to a gym or take
part in health and fitness activities – this is generally in line with national
trends
•
there is low awareness of key health and fitness clubs in the catchment area
including Reflex Health and Fitness and Next Generation, suggesting these
are inaccessible to many residents.
4.46
The survey findings do not indicate a strong demand for additional health and fitness
clubs in WGC. However, it should be recognised that with the increasing emphasis
on healthy lifestyles, there is likely to be continuing demand for health and fitness
provision over future years. It is recommended that the profile of both public and
private sector health and fitness facilities currently provided in WGC should also be
raised through marketing and promotional activity.
Page 27
Consultation
4.47
Key findings from the consultation process (stakeholder consultation, workshop and
email/ postal/ text messaging service) of relevance to the need and potential
opportunity for health and fitness provision, are as follows:
Need for health and fitness provision
•
it is generally perceived that the provision of gyms and health and fitness
facilities has reached “saturation point” in the area, particularly in Hatfield
•
Gosling Sports Park is currently planning a new state of the art gym and
sauna facility, to meet increased expectations regarding the quality of health
club facilities
•
the funds which Finesse receives from their health and fitness facilities are a
key driver for the rest of their business. Finesse Leisure has undertaken
detailed market research, and believe that there is a market for good value,
good quality mid range health and fitness facilities in WGC
•
the management of Gosling Sports Park feel that if another operator were to
enter the market in WGC, this could seriously harm the revenues and
prospects of those facilities already operating in the town, potentially leading
to closures
•
some local employers such as Roche are starting to develop their own gym
and fitness facilities, which can impact upon the numbers of users private
facilities, particularly during the daytime
•
Sport England has commented that the most appropriate sports facilities for a
town centre tend to be health and fitness, or gym facilities. Swimming pools,
sports halls and other facilities are most frequently located outside of the town
centre.
4.48
Limited demand for additional health and fitness was identified but there is a view
that if any development was to take place, community/ locally based, value for money
provision would be most appropriate, as many of the existing gyms in the area target
the top end of the market. The impact of any new provision on existing facilities
would need to be considered.
Facility audit
4.49
A comprehensive review of existing and planned health and fitness provision within
WGC and within a 10 minute drivetime catchment area (the standard drivetime
recommended by Sport England) was undertaken. All provision identified is
illustrated below on Map 4.2.
Page 28
Map 4.2 Health & fitness facilities within a 10 minute catchment area from WGC
ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Site Name
Birchwood Leisure Centre
Gosling Sports Park
Hatfield Leisure Centre
Shephall Sports Centre
Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre
Herts Country Club
Next Generation Club, Hatfield
Odyssey Health & Fitness
Key
AL8 6AE
10 Minute Drivetime
Public Facilities
Private Facilities
4.50
Summary information on key health and fitness facility provision, which could affect
the viability of new development on either of the proposed development sites, is
provided in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5 Competing health and fitness facilities (Nov 05)
Map
ref
1
2
5
Facility
Facility details
Access
type
Included in
supply and
demand
model ✔ or ✘
•
•
•
Gosling
•
Sports Park
•
•
•
•
•
Hatfield Swim •
Centre
•
15 station health and fitness gym
4 badminton court sports hall
grass pitches
aerobics studio
5 badminton court sports hall
indoor bowls hall
athletics track
synthetic turf pitch
23 station health and fitness suite
see Table 4.2 above
Public
✔
Public
✔
Public
✔
•
•
•
•
•
aerobics studio
squash courts
150 health and fitness stations
see Table 4.2 above
Private
✔
Private
✔
Birchwood
Leisure
Centre
9
Herts
Country Club
10
Next
Generation
Page 29
4.51
The analysis illustrates that there are five health and fitness facilities within the 10
minute drivetime catchment area. Three of these facilities are public facilities and
two are private health clubs. The map also shows that all of the health and fitness
facilities in the catchment area are in the south of WGC or in Hatfield. This leaves
many residents in the north of WGC with a longer distance to travel to access a
health and fitness gym. The nearest facility is Odyssey Health and Fitness Club, a
private facility in Knebworth.
4.52
Gosling Sports Park is an important facility because it provides a large 70 station
health and fitness gym. This facility also provides a range of sports facilities
including a sports hall and outdoor sports facilities. The gyms at Birchwood Leisure
Centre and Hatfield Swim Centre are small and are therefore likely to have low
appeal to the health and fitness market. These facilities are likely to draw customers
for their other sports facilities eg swimming pools (Hatfield Swim Centre) and sports
hall (Birchwood Leisure Centre).
4.53
The two private health clubs in the catchment area are Herts Country Club and Next
Generation. Herts Country Club has a small gym but also provides squash courts.
Next Generation has a very large gym with 150 stations and caters for a wide range
of other sports and leisure needs.
4.54
Just outside the catchment area are three other health and fitness facilities; Hatfield
Leisure Centre, Hertfordshire Sports Village and Odyssey Health and Fitness.
Hatfield Leisure Centre, to the south of the catchment area has 60 health and fitness
stations and a large six badminton court sports hall.
Planned facilities
4.55
A review of planned facilities in the catchment area has been undertaken. Planned
facilities are identified using PMP’s associate database company Glenigans. A
detailed list of planned facilities identified can be found in Appendix D.
4.56
The only planned health and fitness provision within a 10 minute drive time is at
Gosling Sports Park, at which there are plans for the development of a new £5.5m
sports facility scheduled to open in 2007. This facility will link to many of the sites
existing facilities. Provision will incorporate:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4.57
120 station health & fitness suite
professional spa complex with themed
spa-pools, saunas & steam rooms
5 therapy treatments rooms with relaxation area
52 bay golf driving range
3 aerobics studios
sports retail outlet
luxury changing rooms
new state-of-the-art reception area
vastly extended and improved bistro facility.
For demand modelling purposes we have assumed that this facility will be developed
by 2008 and will result in an additional 50 stations in addition to existing provision of
70 stations. We have also assumed that it will have full public access.
Page 30
4.58
Within a 15 minute drivetime, there is a new Next Generation Health Club in planning
in Hertford. If this facility is to be of a similar size to the Next Generation Club in
Hatfield, then it is likely that circa 150 fitness stations would be provided. Although
this is outside of the 10 minute drivetime catchment area, it is likely to be a major
attraction to the health and fitness market in WGC when open. This facility may be
much more accessible to residents living in the north of WGC than the health and
fitness facilities concentrated in the south of the catchment area. Following a public
enquiry in May 2001, planning permission was granted for the development of this
site, though there has since been little activity on the site. A three year extension was
granted by East Herts District Council in late 2005, despite objections from the Town
Council and Civic Society.
4.59
This is likely to include a health and fitness gym, although there were no specific
details available at the time of writing this report.
Demand modelling
4.60
Using PMP’s in-house supply and demand modelling software, mapping the futureTM,
which builds upon Sport England guidance, we have assessed the level of need for
additional health and fitness provision within WGC. Similar assumptions have been
made in this model that were made in the swimming pool model. The full supply and
demand model can be found in Appendix D.
Table 4.6 Health and fitness supply and demand model result
Scenarios
Demand (no.
of stations)
Supply (no.
of stations)
Oversupply/ shortfall (no.
of stations)
Existing
238
283
Oversupply equivalent to
45 stations
239
333
95 stations
239
333
95 stations
N/A
N/A
N/A
come to fruition)
4.61
The supply and demand model results show that in three scenarios, there is an
oversupply of health and fitness facilities, equivalent to circa 95 stations in 2012 or a
medium to large sized health and fitness gym.
4.62
The results of this model are significantly skewed by Next Generation in Hatfield,
which has a very large gym, although prices for membership at this facility may be
unaffordable for some in WGC. In comparison, the proposed additional provision at
Gosling Sports Park represents an extension to their existing operation and is
expected to be accessible to the local community.
1
Game plan adjustment is not undertaken for health and fitness facilities, as it is not a Sport England
focus sport.
Page 31
4.63
If health and fitness facilities that are on the edge of the 10 minute drivetime are
included in the review process, including Hatfield Leisure Centre and Hertfordshire
Sports Village, the oversupply would be even greater.
Health and fitness need/ opportunities
Key findings from the above review that impact on the need/ opportunities for health and fitness
• the survey findings do not indicate a strong demand for additional health and fitness clubs in WGC.
However, it should be recognised that with the increasing emphasis on healthy lifestyles, there is
likely to be continuing demand for health and fitness provision over future years. It is
recommended that the profile of both public and private sector health and fitness facilities currently
provided in WGC should also be raised through marketing and promotional activity
• limited demand for additional health and fitness was identified during the consultation process, and
there is a general perception that the market has reached saturation point, but there is a view that
if any development was to take place, community/ locally based, value for money provision would
be most appropriate, as many of the existing gyms in the area target the top end of the market.
The impact of any new provision on existing facilities would need to be considered
• the facility audit/ modelling illustrates a good mix of public and private health and fitness facilities
and a small oversupply, BUT there is a concentration of sites in the south of the catchment area.
In summary, no specific demand was identified. Major WGC town centre development is not
recommended as it could have a negative impact on other recent/planned development. However,
future development proposals in the north of the Borough should be subject to impact assessment as
they emerge. In the short term we also recommend action to increase awareness of existing facilities.
Indoor bowls
4.64
As noted in the introduction to Section 4, indoor bowls provision is a contentious
issue in WGC due to the closure of the indoor bowls facility at Gosling Sports Park,
which will be replaced by a high quality spa and health and fitness facility.
4.65
The following findings, particularly those from the survey and consultation process,
should therefore be treated with caution, recognising the potential for biased
responses.
Market research
4.66
Detailed analysis of the postal, user/ drop-in session and internet survey findings is
to indoor bowls provision.
4.67
indoor bowls provision are as follows:
•
comments regarding Gosling Sports Park referenced strong levels of
dissatisfaction with the closure of the indoor bowls hall
•
other comments relating to facility provision identified a lack of facilities for
older people
Page 32
•
when asked what other facilities are used outside WGC, many respondents
referred to indoor bowls facilities in Hitchin, Hatfield and Harpenden
•
when asked for “other suggestions/ comments” on facility provision in WGC,
only three out of 471 answers referred to the need for a new indoor bowls
facility.
4.68
4.69
to the need for indoor bowls provision are as follows:
•
comments regarding Gosling Sports Park referenced strong levels of
dissatisfaction with the closure of the indoor bowls hall
•
when asked to provide views on quantity of sports and recreation provision in
WGC, a key theme was the closure of the indoor bowls facility
•
other comments relating to facility provision identified a lack of facilities for
older people
•
when asked to list the top five facilities respondents would like to be provided
in WGC, an indoor bowls facility was 4th on the list
•
when asked for other suggestions/ comments on facility provision in WGC, 47
out of 212 responses indicated a need for a new indoor bowls facility.
It should be noted that the user and drop-in session surveys are heavily biased
towards the views of bowls club members, as they specifically requested additional
copies of the surveys, and provided additional photocopies for club members.
4.70
There were no significant findings from the school survey relating to the need for
indoor bowls provision.
4.71
Key findings from the cross-survey analysis process of relevance to the need for
indoor bowls provision were as follows:
•
a key theme in comments regarding Gosling Sports Park was the issue of the
closure of the bowls hall
•
there was a strong view from the user/ drop-in survey results that identified a
need for a new bowls facility (see selection of quotes overleaf) but only a very
small minority of respondents to the postal survey indicated a need for a new
bowls facility, indicating that a large proportion of the user surveys were
completed by bowls club members
•
this was further emphasised by respondents to the user/ drop in surveys
where 44% said they would like to see a bowls facility provided and this was
the 4th most popular facility identified.
Page 33
Survey quotations regarding the need for indoor bowls provision
•
“…indoor bowls must be kept in WGC for the older generation…”
•
“The closure of the indoor bowls club will effect the well being of those people who
relied upon this facility for their social and recreational activities”
•
“When considering requirements for leisure activities, it would be advisable to
recognise that the general population is lasting longer and therefore the
requirements for facilities for older people is increasing”
•
“Indoor bowls is an important activity for both the disabled and the older generation.
The closure of the bowls hall is a significant contribution to the health of those
affected”
•
“I cannot understand why the indoor bowls at Gosling Sports Park is closing as it
was well used and provided exercise and interest for the older residents – you are
not providing anything for that age group”.
4.72
The survey findings therefore indicate demand for either a replacement indoor bowls
facility in Welwyn Garden City, or improved access for WGC residents to other indoor
bowls halls in the catchment area.
Consultation
4.73
Key findings from the consultation process of relevance to the need and potential
opportunity for indoor bowls provision are as follows:
Need for indoor bowls provision
•
a number of consultees referred to the imminent closure of the bowls facility,
and expressed concern at the loss of a key facility used by older members of
the town’s population. It was felt that those who play indoor bowls
competitively would be worst affected
•
approximately 15 years ago, the indoor bowls centre at Gosling Sports Park
had 1000 members. Membership now stands at approximately 350. The
income generated by the facility has also fallen to approximately £80,000 p.a.
This is also reflective of national trends
•
other indoor bowls facilities are available in Hatfield, Hitchin, Harpenden,
Luton, Watford and Stevenage and it has been suggested that members of
Gosling Sports Park Bowls Club could access these clubs / facilities.
Historically, the facility at Gosling Sports Park has attracted users from a wide
area, including Enfield and north London
Page 34
•
members of Gosling Indoor Bowls Club now recognise that facilities for indoor
bowls are unlikely to be retained at the Sports Park, and are unlikely to be
provided by other commercial organisations in the town. As a result of the
closure of the facility at Gosling, many members of the indoor bowls club
have now joined other clubs in Hatfield, Watford, Harpenden and Hitchin.
Remaining members have suggested that they could fund half of the cost of a
new facility if some form of public subsidy could be found to meet the
remainder of the cost. They also indicated that King George V playing fields
would be a good site for such a development. It was highlighted that indoor
bowls is not, however, comparable with short mat and other forms of bowls.
4.74
The club has indicated that they would like to see a new, smaller scale facility
provided in Welwyn Garden City, but other consultees believe that the impact of the
closure will have a real impact on a small proportion of users, as others will relocate
to other sites.
Facility audit
4.75
A comprehensive review of existing and planned indoor bowls provision within WGC
and within a 15 minute drivetime catchment area (the standard drivetime
recommended by Sport England) was undertaken.
4.76
All provision identified is illustrated on Map 4.3. Summary information on key indoor
bowls provision, which could impact on the viability of new development on either of
the proposed development sites, is provided in Table 4.7 below.
4.77
The facility audit illustrates that there are a number of other indoor bowls centre
across the area, which Welwyn Garden City residents could potentially access.
Table 4.7 Competing indoor bowls facilities
Map
ref
6
Facility
Key findings/ issues of relevance
Stevenage
Arts and
Leisure
Centre
•
•
•
7
Gosling
Sports Park
•
•
8
Hatfield Lawn
Tennis &
Indoor Bowls
Centre
•
•
located in the north of the 15 minute drivetime catchment area
The centre is a multi-functional facility and houses the Gordon
Craig Theatre, concert hall, conference suite, multi-purpose
sports hall, squash courts, climbing wall, health and fitness suite,
dance studio, solarium, arts and crafts studio, carvery
restaurant, coffee house, licensed bar and art gallery
this facility is well used by residents in WGC as indicated in the
surveys
this facility is expected to close shortly
this closure was referred to in the surveys as a significant issue
which needs to be addressed
due to its central location in the centre of the County (and to the
south of the 15 minute drivetime catchment area) the club plays
an important role in the administration of bowls in Hertfordshire
it is used as a meeting point for all the Hertfordshire County
Bowls Associations (indoors and outdoors)
Page 35
4.78
To establish whether other indoor bowls clubs in the area do have sufficient capacity
to meet the needs of Gosling members, contact was made with several clubs both
within and beyond a 15 minute drivetime and the findings are summarised in Table
4.8.
4.79
As illustrated, over 250 members from Gosling have moved to other clubs in the
area, and whilst a couple are reaching full capacity, including the closest facility at
Hatfield, the majority have spare capacity for new members. However, Welwyn
Hatfield’s ability to access these facilities is largely dependant upon private transport.
Table 4.8 Summary of Competing Indoor Bowls Facilities
Club name
No. of
members
Membership
capacity
Cheshunt
Indoor Bowls
Club
580
720
members
No. of
indoor
rinks
6
Pricing Information
•
Impact of closure
of Gosling Indoor
Bowls Club
• the club has
gained
approximately 20
new members from
Gosling
•
•
•
annual membership
subscriptions cost £63, and
members pay £2.20 for a 2
hour rink session
only members are
permitted to use the indoor
rinks
Harpenden &
District Indoor
Bowls Club
Hatfield Lawn
Tennis and
Bowls Club
430
400
480
members
respondent
unsure,
though felt
that the club
was now
approaching
capacity
4
4
the club charges a £10
joining fee, and an annual
membership charge of £50
•
rink fees are charged at
£1.50 for a 2 hour session
the club has
gained between 40
and 50 new
members from
Welwyn Garden
City following the
closure of Gosling
Indoor Bowls Club
•
•
annual social
membership costs £18, with
full annual membership of
indoor and outdoor sections
costing £110; this is
reduced if a member joins
only one section
the club has
attracted
approximately 78
members from
Gosling Indoor
Bowls club
•
the club charges indoor
green fees of 70p per hour
Luton Indoor
Bowls Club
600
1000
8
•
annual subscriptions
covering the summer and
winter season cost £85
the club charges rink
fees of £2
the club does
not believe that it
has attracted any
new members from
Gosling
•
•
•
Riverain
Bowls Club,
Hitchin
1000
Approx 1000
8
•
over 60s pay an annual
membership fee of £45
•
green fees are charged
at £2.50 for a 2 ¼ hour
session
the club has
gained 60-70
members from
Gosling, and is not
currently accepting
any new members
Page 36
Table 4.8 Continued…
Club name
No. of
members
Membership
capacity
Stevenage
Leisure Centre
Indoor Bowls
Club
122
250
Watford
Indoor Bowls
Club
617
No. of
indoor
rinks
6
Pricing Information
•
full membership fee is
£16, with associate
membership charged at £5
•
rink fees are £2 per
session (weekdays) and
£3.25 at weekends
720
members
6
the club
is
reported
to be
“short of
members,
like many
clubs in
the area”
•
club reports that “it is
generally accepted that
clubs need 120 members
per rink to have a sound
financial base”
•
annual subscription will
be £62.50 for 2007
Impact of closure
of Gosling Indoor
Bowls Club
• the club has
not attracted any
new members, but
has lost two
weekend fixtures
as a result of the
closure of the
Gosling club
•
the club has
gained 37
members from
Gosling, though
most of those live
the “Watford side”
of Hatfield
•
joining fee of £25,
discounted to £5 for those
who have lost their club
•
rink fee is £2 for two
hours or £2.20 for 2¼ hours
for members
•
members may bring
guests who pay £4 for a two
hour roll up session
•
the public may book
rinks when available at £20
per rink for a two hour
session
Page 37
Indoor bowls provision need/ opportunities
Key findings from the above review that impact on the need/ opportunities for indoor bowls
• survey findings indicate demand for either a replacement indoor bowls facility in
Welwyn Garden City (although this is heavily influenced by Gosling Bowls Club
members) or improved access for WGC residents to other indoor bowls halls in the
catchment area
• there is significant dissatisfaction over the loss of the Gosling Sports Park bowls facility
• the audit of indoor bowls provision indicates that there is other indoor bowls provision
within the area which Welwyn Garden City residents could potentially access and over
250 Gosling users have already moved to these facilities, although access may be
difficult for residents without cars
• the club recognise that reprovision at Gosling is unlikely and that redevelopment is not
commercially viable but believe that they could fund half of the cost of a new facility if
some form of public subsidy could be found to meet the remainder of the cost. Other
consultees believe that most users will relocate to other sites /facilities.
In summary, demand has been identified for indoor bowling, but this is considered biased
due to a significant club response, the high profile of the closure process and the timing of
this report. We do not consider replacement facilities to be a Council financial priority,
especially as other clubs are considered to have sufficient capacity to accommodate
Gosling members. Furthermore, we do not consider indoor bowls centre development to be
suitable/ viable for a town centre site, due to the relative values of the site/ development
type.
Other indoor sports facility provision
4.80
The remainder of this section of the report focuses on the provision of other indoor
sports facilities in Welwyn Garden City and the surrounding area.
Facility audit
4.81
The facility audit containing these facilities can be found in Appendix D. The results
of the audit, excluding sports hall provision, have been plotted on Map 4.4.
4.82
Sport England does not provide supply and demand modelling recommendations for
these facilities, so they have not been subject to detailed modelling. However, this
auditing process illustrates that relative to other towns with a similar population and
building upon best practice in sports facility provision, WGC is extremely well
provided for with regards to the scope of facilities reviewed. Our site visits also
reinforced that other specialists sports facility provision is also excellent, largely due
to the provision at Gosling Sports Centre and Stanborough Park, including for
example, athletics track, dry-ski slope and watersports centre provision.
4.83
As sports hall provision was the largest category of other indoor sports facility
provision identified, we have mapped these facilities separately on Map 4.5 and
undertaken demand modelling of these facilities, using a 15 minute mile drivetime
catchment area (the standard drivetime recommended by Sport England).
Page 38
Map 4.4 Other indoor sports facility provision (excluding sports halls)
ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Name
Herts Country Club
Odyssey Health & Fitness Club (Knebworth)
Panshanger Golf Course & Squash Courts
Gosling Sports Park
Hatfield Lawn Tennis & Indoor Bowls
Next Generation Club Hatfield
Welwyn Tennis Club
Key:
15 Minute Drivetime
Indoor Bowls Halls
Squash Centres
Indoor Tennis
Page 39
Map 4.5 Sports hall facilities within a 15 minute drivetime from WGC
Key:
AL8 6AE
15 Minute Drivetime
Public Facilities
Dual Use Facilities
ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Site Name
Gosling Sports Park
Watton at Stone Community Hall
Barnwell School
Beaumont School
Chancellors School
Nicholas Breakspear Roman Catholic School
Presdales School
Sir Frederic Osborn School
Stanborough School
The Sele School
Sports hall facility supply and demand modelling
4.84
Summary information on key sports hall provision, which could impact on the viability
of new development on either of the proposed development sites, is provided in
Table 4.9 overleaf.
4.85
The analysis illustrates that within a 15 minute drivetime from WGC, there are 16
sports hall facilities, including a mix of public and dual use facilities.
Page 40
Table 4.9 Competing sports hall facilities
Map
ref
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Facility
Facility details
•
•
•
Gosling Sports
•
Park
•
•
•
•
•
Haileybury
•
Sports Complex •
•
•
Hatfield Leisure •
Centre
•
Hertfordshire
•
Sports Village
•
•
•
Shephall Sports •
Centre
•
Stevenage Arts
•
& Leisure
•
Centre
•
Watton at Stone •
Birchwood
Leisure Centre
Community Hall
Barnwell
School
Beaumont
School
Chancellors
School
Nicholas
Breakspear RC
Presdales
School
Sir Frederic
Osborn School
Stanborough
School
The Sele
School
1 sports hall with 4 badminton courts
5 grass pitches
aerobics studio
indoor bowls hall
athletics track
25m swimming pool
25m swimming pool
3 synthetic turf pitches
indoor bowls hall
1 community hall with 1 badminton court
•
2 sports halls each with 1 badminton court
•
1 sports hall with 1 badminton court
•
3 sports halls – total of 3 badminton
courts
•
courts
•
2 sports halls – 1 badminton court in each
•
courts
•
courts
courts
•
Access
type
Included in
supply and
demand
model ✔ or ✘
Public
✔
Public
✔
Public
✔
Public
✔
Public
✔
Public
✔
Public
✔
Public
✘
Dual
use
Dual
use
✘
Dual
use
Dual
use
Dual
use
Dual
use
Dual
use
Dual
use
✔
✘
✔
✘
✔
✔
✔
Page 41
4.86
A review of planned facilities within a 15 minute catchment area has also been
undertaken. Planned facilities are identified using PMP’s associate database
company Glenigans. A detailed list of planned facilities can be found in Appendix D.
4.87
The review has identified no planned sports halls within the 15-minute drivetime.
This is likely to include a sports hall although there are no specific details available at
the time of writing this report.
4.88
A new community hall is planned at Sele Farm which may include a sports/
badminton hall but this is considered unlikely.
4.89
Building upon the above audit information and using PMP’s in-house supply and
demand modelling software, mapping the futureTM, which builds upon Sport England
guidance, we have assessed the level of need for additional sports hall provision
within WGC and a 15 minute catchment area. Similar assumptions have been made
in this model that were made in the swimming pool and health and fitness model.
The full supply and demand model can be found in Appendix E.
4.90
The supply and demand model findings are illustrated in Table 4.10. They
demonstrate that there is currently an oversupply of sports halls, which will be
equivalent to 8 courts in 2010, although if the objectives of Game Plan are met, there
could be under provision of 2 courts in the future.
4.91
Further reinforcing this good standard of sports hall provision identified were findings
from the audit process, which indicated that there is an unusually high number of
large sports halls with more than four courts available including:
4.92
•
Hertfordshire Sports Village (12 badminton courts)
•
Haileybury Sports Complex (8 badminton courts)
•
Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre (8 badminton courts)
•
Gosling Sports Park (5 badminton courts).
There are also a wide range of smaller community and school halls available that
whilst not ideal for high impact sport and aerobics, are suitable for recreational
badminton and other low impact activities.
Table 4.10 Sports hall supply and demand model results
Scenarios
Existing
Full development
scenario 2010 (assumes all
Demand (no.
of badminton
courts)
47
48
Supply (no. of
badminton
courts)
56
56
Oversupply/ shortfall (no. of
badminton courts)
Oversupply equivalent to 9 courts
48
56
58
56
Unmet demand equivalent to 2
courts
planned developments come to
fruition)
Most likely scenario
2010 (assumes only
developments which have
received planning permission
come to fruition)
Game plan adjusted
Page 42
Market research
4.93
Detailed analysis of the postal, use, drop-in and internet survey findings is provided
in Appendix C. Within this section we draw out the key findings of relevance to other
indoor sports provision.
Survey analysis
4.94
4.95
Key findings from the survey analysis process of relevance to the need for other
indoor sports provision are as follows:
•
circa one third of the respondents to the postal survey indicated that provision
of indoor sports facilities were about right/ more than enough
•
respondents to the user/ drop-in survey identified a need for additional indoor
sports facilities and the second most prioritised response in terms of future
provision required was indoor sports facilities, although this response may
have been biased towards bowls club respondents
•
the fifth most prioritised response in terms of future provision required in the
schools survey was indoor sports facilities.
As no other specific indoor facility needs were identified in the open questions, we
believe that the indoor provision referred to within these responses is predominantly
swimming pool, health and fitness and indoor bowls provision, all of which have been
reviewed earlier in this section.
Consultation
4.96
The consultation process did not identify any specific need for other indoor sports
facilities, with the level of provision generally considered to be good.
4.97
However, other general feedback relating to indoor sports facility provision across
Welwyn Garden City, included:
•
sporting facilities which are available are perceived to be expensive and
difficult to access by young people. There is a feeling that young people can
afford to use a facility, but not to travel to it as well
•
it was noted that the majority of the facilities operated by Finesse are located
in Hatfield
•
Hatfield Diving Club are hoping to submit a Lottery Bid to develop a dry land
training centre at the Hatfield Swim Centre and the trust is also planning to
build a dance studio. The dance studio will contain two floors, leaving scope
to expand the gym and crèche operation if necessary
•
Hatfield Leisure Centre is a dual use facility with the local school, however the
school are not currently making significant use of the facility. There is a
possibility that the Hatfield Leisure Centre site could be redeveloped in 5-6
years, with the focus of Finesse’s operations reverting to the Hatfield Swim
Centre
•
Sir Frederic Osborn School has developed proposals to improve its sports
facilities and has recently submitted a planning application to the Council
Page 43
•
4.98
Finesse is considering redevelopment options for the squash facility at
Panshanger, among other things. Finesse have contemplated developing a
soft play area or golf retail centre, however this latter option is not thought to
be feasible if the suggested golf driving range developments go ahead at
Gosling Sports Park.
Sport England have provided comments to Dacorum Borough Council regarding a
proposal to develop a regional indoor snow centre at the Hemel Ski Centre. This
could potentially impact upon the dry ski slope provision at Gosling Sports Park.
Other indoor sports provision need/ opportunities
Key findings from the above review that impact on the need/ opportunities for other
indoor sports facility provision as part of any future development include:
• there is a variety of other indoor sports facility provision within a 15 minute drivetime
of WGC and there is a general perception that other sports facilities are well catered
for with WGC
• the sports hall facility audit and supply and demand modelling indicated an
oversupply of sports hall in all scenarios apart from in the game plan adjusted
scenario where there was a small undersupply
• whilst the survey process indicated that indoor sports hall provision is a high priority,
swimming pools, health and fitness and indoor bowls are considered to be the key
facilities of interest to local residents
• no other specific indoor sports facility development needs have been identified,
although there is a clear need for improved public transport to existing sports
facilities.
In summary, no specific development needs that could be met on the two development
sites under consideration have been identified. However, there is broad support for
improved transport to all facilities.
Other issues
4.99
Two other sports facility related issues that were identified during the survey and
consultation process, but which are not addressed in the above facility categories are
summarised below:
•
dual trust operation – at present there are two Trusts operating leisure
facilities in the Borough - Gosling Sports Park and Finesse Leisure. We
suggest a review of management options for Gosling Sports Park and
Finesse Leisure (including the possibility of a merger)
•
public transportation – there was broad agreement across the research and
consultation process, that limited public transport to sports, but also other
leisure and community facilities, is a major issue for local residents. One
option identified to address this was the introduction of a shuttle bus service
between the main sites and we recommend that this development be subject
to further consideration.
Page 44
4.100 Both of these issues fall outside of the scope of this study, but are clearly central to
the future of leisure provision across the Borough. We therefore recommended that
further investigation and development work be undertaken to address them.
Page 45
SECTION 5
COMMUNITY FACILITY PROVISION
SECTION 5 – COMMUNITY FACILITY PROVISION
Community facilities
5.1
programme, relating to the need and development opportunities for community
facility provision within WGC and the two development sites under consideration.
5.2
Community facility provision includes community halls, meeting space for community
groups, including faith groups, youth facilities, libraries etc that the public, both
individuals and groups, can access on a free of charge or ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis.
5.3
We have aimed to make the following section as concise as possible, using bullet
point style and focussing on key relevant issues. Additional supporting information is
provided in the appendices to this report where considered appropriate.
Strategic context
5.4
opportunity for community facility provision in WGC are summarised in Table 5.1
below.
Table 5.1 Summary community facility related strategic context findings
Document
Welwyn
Hatfield
District Plan
2005
Key findings relating to need & development opportunities
•
the overall aim of the District Plan is to improve quality of life in the
borough, identified as a key issue in Welwyn Hatfield, through
consultation with the community. Key objectives of the plan are to
provide for development to meet the needs of local people, to
maintain and enhance the quality of the urban environment, to foster
a ‘sense of community,’ and to maintain the vitality and viability of
WGC
•
the local plan states that the provision of leisure, arts and cultural
facilities will need to be dynamic to meet the changing needs and
expectations of both local people and visitors to the borough. Policy
CLT2 notes that the preferred location for new leisure facilities is in
the borough’s two town centres
•
the Borough and County Councils have identified an inadequacy of
provision in Hatfield
•
the Council aims to encourage community facilities which serve a
wide catchment to locate within central areas in towns, whilst
provision geared to more local needs and demands is facilitated
within local borough centres and residential areas. The Council is
seeking to improve and enhance community facility provision and will
therefore welcome applications for such developments. The dual use
of buildings for sustainable community provision is also to be
encouraged. Policy CLT12 notes that permission will be granted in
residential areas, subject to certain caveats, in new residential
developments, and where the demand for the facility in an area is
sufficient for the catchment of the proposed facility
•
the Council sees multi-denominational buildings as the most effective
solution to providing for faith groups. Policy CLT14 states that new or
extensions to existing places of worship will be granted permission
where it is demonstrated that the use and choice of location will only
serve a local community
•
according to policy CLT15, the provision of new or extended surgeries
and other medical or health services will be granted planning
permission, subject to a number of criteria
Page 46
Document
“The Next
Five Years –
Five
Promises”
BVPI Survey
Topline
Findings,
December
2003
“Enjoy!” A
Cultural
Strategy for
Hertfordshire
Enjoying Life:
Making the
Most of Living
in Welwyn
Hatfield
Welwyn
Hatfield’s
Community
Plan, 2004
•
promise 4 states that the Council is committed to encouraging a
sense of community in the Borough, through supporting and investing
in Welwyn Hatfield’s arts, sports and heritage, working with partners
to develop new leisure activities and to improve the well-being of
children and young people, updating and improving children’s play
areas, and to considering options for the redevelopment of
Stanborough Park
•
35% of those responding to this survey felt that activities for
teenagers most needed improving. An additional 17% referred to the
need to improve facilities for young people
•
•
•
Enjoy! Message 1 aims to make Hertfordshire a more prosperous
place to live, work or visit, while Message 2 aims to encourage
children and young people to access and enjoy cultural and leisure
activities. Message refers to the need to enable all members of the
community to access cultural and leisure pursuits, while Message 6
commits to working in partnership with national, regional and local
agencies to deliver a range of cultural and leisure activities
theme 1 of this document aims to help young people develop their
potential, while Theme 2 encourages participation and involvement in
cultural life. Theme 3 aims to make Welwyn Hatfield a more attractive,
healthy and safe place to live, work and visit.
Key aims of this document include developing children’s and young
people’s potential, improving transport systems, and helping people to
enjoy life in Welwyn Hatfield
Market research
5.5
to community facility provision.
5.6
Key findings from the postal survey analysis process, of relevance to the need for
community facility provision, are as follows:
i)
Places of worship
•
over half (52%) of respondents to the postal survey indicated that they do not
take part in any religious activities eg going to church/ places of worship
•
when asked about provision levels of facilities in WGC for organised religious
activities, 30% said levels were about right; 65% had no opinion or did not
respond.
ii) Libraries
•
there was a mixed profile for visiting libraries; 20% never visit libraries, 32%
visit once a month or more frequently
Page 47
•
a high proportion (67%) of respondents rated Campus West Library as
satisfactory or better (16% rated it as satisfactory, 38% rated it as good and
13% rated it as excellent).
iii) Community centres/ halls
•
a high % of respondents did not know the quality of Woodhall Community
Centre or Douglas Tilbe House
•
when asked to provide other suggestions or comments, a number of people
identified a need for more community halls.
5.7
Key findings from the user and drop-in session survey analysis process, of relevance
to the need for community facility provision, are as follows:
i)
Places of worship
•
over half (57%) of respondents to the user/ drop-in survey indicated they do
not take part in any religious activities
•
25% believe the provision of facilities in WGC for organised religious activities
is about right/ enough/ more than enough (72% had no opinion/ did not
respond).
ii) Libraries
•
there was a similarly mixed profile for visiting libraries; 15% never go to
libraries whilst 47% visit once a month or more frequently
•
65% rated Campus West Library as satisfactory or better (15% rated it as
excellent, 38% as good and 12% as satisfactory).
•
a high % of respondents did not know the quality of Woodhall Community
Centre, Jim McDonald Centre or Douglas Tilbe House
•
when asked to provide other suggestions or comments, a number of people
identified a need for more meeting spaces for community groups.
5.8
need for community facility provision are as follows:
i)
•
Places of worship
49% of children who responded indicated they do not take part in any
religious activities; 22% go once a month or more frequently.
ii) Libraries
•
26% indicated they never visit libraries; 36% go once a month or more
frequently
Page 48
•
52% did not know the quality of Campus West Library; 10% rated it as
satisfactory, 2% as poor and 11% as very poor.
•
more than half of the children responding to the survey did not know the
quality of Woodhall Community centre, Jim McDonald Centre or Douglas
Tilbe House
•
20% thought the provision of youth clubs in WGC was more than enough or
about right; 69% had no opinion/ did not respond.
5.9
5.10
potential opportunity for community facility provision were as follows:
•
a majority of people did not have an opinion about the provision of places of
worship in WGC indicating that religious activities are undertaken by a
minority of local people
•
about a third of respondents visit libraries frequently (once a month or more
frequently) and two thirds of respondents to the postal survey and user/ dropin survey rate the quality of Campus West Library as satisfactory or better
•
a high proportion of respondents did not know the quality of various
community centres in WGC although there were many comments identifying
a need for more community centres/ meeting rooms.
A selection of survey quotes relating to the need for additional community provision is
presented in the box below.
Survey quotations regarding the need for community facility provision
“A community hall with self catering with divisions for simultaneous meetings”
“What Hatfield and WGC town areas need badly is local community clubs for the young,
14-17 year olds. The activities must be challenging to young people offering good quality
services at reasonable prices or free. We need to take them off the street corners and
develop interests in sport, music and social skills”.
“Youth activities. Too many sit around the town centre”.
“How does St Albans have a wonderful variety of evening classes but WGC only focus on
such a narrow field, devoting much of its time and effort to language. More choice for
evening classes would be appreciated by all”
“In my opinion there is a need for conference/ function rooms in WGC town centre which
local residents could hire at affordable prices for regular clubs/ social meetings”
5.11
The survey findings indicate that there is a need to promote and increase awareness
of existing community halls and the services they offer, and to also consider
improved town centre provision community provision.
Page 49
Consultation
5.12
Key findings from the consultation process, of relevance to the need and potential
opportunity for community facility provision, are as follows:
Need for community facility provision
i)
young peoples facilities
•
research for the local cultural strategy revealed that young people wanted
somewhere safe “to hang out”. This need has been addressed through the
provision of the Meeting Point facility, based at the Breaks Manor Centre in
Hatfield. A second Meeting Point is planned for Panshanger, supported by
funding from Welwyn Hatfield Council and a local contractor, and a further
roll-out of these facilities across the authority is proposed. School holiday
activities run by YMCA are also oversubscribed
•
there is a perceived deficit of facilities for young people in WGC, compared to
Hatfield. There is also some territorialism among young people; one
consultee suggested that 25% say they want facilities in their own ward, while
75% would prefer a central facility that young people in WGC can visit
•
young people are also attracted to leisure parks containing ten pin bowling,
swimming, and skating, such as those located in Stevenage and Hemel
Hempstead, and would like similar provision in WGC.
ii) community centres
•
the community centre facilities in Panshanger are well-used but located in
run-down areas adjacent to a shopping centre and flats. The youth club at
Monks Walk is also not well used, and poorly maintained. In contrast,
Woodhall Community Centre occupies an attractive building in Peartree, and
is considered to be a thriving centre with its own coffee bar
•
consultees mentioned the pockets of deprivation which exist in the borough
include Peartree, Panshanger and areas of Hatfield, and community centre
provision is considered particularly important in these areas
•
a number of consultees referred to a loss of community feel to the town, and
a desire to retain and reinvent this if possible
•
some consultees indicated that localised community centre provision would
be more effective in meeting needs that centralised provision
•
the YMCA in WGC has in place a tentative plan to demolish and redevelop its
hostel and community facilities, and would consider being part of a new
community development at Broadwater West if this were practical.
Page 50
iii) faith group facilities
•
the Inter-Faith Group of Welwyn Hatfield Alliance indicated that there is a
major need for multi-purpose facilities for faith groups in Welwyn Garden City,
particularly due to the redevelopment of Oaklands College, which currently
accommodates a number of faith group activities. Faith groups require a
community multi-use facility incorporating a large hall with capacity for 7501000, a series of multi-purpose meeting rooms, and appropriate levels of
parking. It would need to be priced to be accessible to all community groups.
This facility could be used (not solely) for faith activities such as youth work,
Sunday services and bible studies. Local religious groups would be willing to
manage such a facility on behalf of Welwyn Hatfield Council. It was indicated
that this facility could be used for a variety of other community activities,
although the faith groups indicated that they could make significant usage of
any facilities
•
there is also a perceived lack of purpose built facilities for Muslim groups, as
the nearest facilities that these groups can access are located in St Albans
and London
•
there is a multi-faith centre available at the University of Hertfordshire, though
some religious groups are reluctant to share usage with groups from other
faiths. Likewise, it was indicated by several consultees, that whilst multi-use
facilities would ideally be provided (as noted above), if a building becomes
perceived as a faith venue, other non-faith groups may be discouraged from
using it
•
there is also considered to be a dearth of communal space for interfaith
activities such as football matches and tournaments.
iv) multipurpose meeting space
•
consultees also highlighted a lack of cheap reliable space which can be used
by local community groups such as the scouts, history and arts groups
•
there is a lack of children’s play area/ crèche facilities in the centre of the
town, which parents can use when shopping.
v) library/ tourist information provision
•
the Town Library is perceived as a good facility, though some consultees
commented on the cost of parking near to the library. It is felt that the library
also benefits from being part of the Campus West facility, although there is no
signage to the library throughout the town, and hence many visitors may not
realise that is there. The operation of the library is not constrained in any way
by its size, unlike the facility at Hatfield. Many people now access the library
to use its IT facilities, rather than to borrow books. The library receives many
requests for information from tourists and visitors to the town, due to the
absence of a dedicated tourist information facility
•
the library at Woodhall is a smart, well-used community library which has
recently installed new IT facilities.
Page 51
vi) health facilities
•
the PCT indicated strong interest in exploring the potential to relocate some of
its existing health clinic services onto one large town centre site as part of a
mixed use development, recognising the opportunity for service
improvements and economies of scale to be achieved
•
options for the relocation of some existing health clinic services are already
being considered as part of ongoing service improvement plans, and a mixed
use development in WGC provides an alternative option for consideration
•
the PCT was very positive regarding potential links with a community/cultural
leisure facility as any multi-purpose spaces could be used to host
programmes that fit with the national health agenda such as chronic disease
management, enhancing mobility for the elderly, and tackling obesity. The
enhanced footfall in and around such a site also means that it could serve as
a useful information/leaflet point, and could potentially accommodate a range
of other programmes and services
•
ensuring that any new site is easily accessible by public transport would be
crucial to its success
•
the new Healthy Living Centre scheme in Hatfield was identified as a good
practice example, linking health provision, shops, restaurants and affordable
housing.
5.13
Development opportunities for which demand has been identified through the
consultation process therefore include a central multi-purpose community facility,
particularly catering for young people and inter-faith groups. This could include a
Meeting Point facility, as part of the proposed roll-out, and inexpensive, good quality
meeting space for local community groups. The need for a large hall facility, as part
of any new development, was also identified, as well as children’s play area/ crèche
facilities and dedicated tourist information services. The opportunity to develop a
combined community/ cultural/ leisure and health facility was supported in principle
by the PCT, with further exploration recommended.
Facility audit
5.14
A comprehensive review of existing and planned community facility provision within
WGC was undertaken. Libraries, Community Halls, Nurseries and Youth Clubs are
presented in Map 5.1 and Places of Worship in Map 5.2 below.
5.15
Summary information on key community facility provision, which could impact on the
viability of new development on either of the proposed development sites, is provided
in Appendix D.
5.16
In summary the audit process demonstrates that a range of community facilities are
provided in WGC including:
•
•
•
•
•
2 libraries
11 community halls
13 nurseries
5 youth clubs
27 places of worship.
Page 52
Map 5.1 Community facility provision
ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Key
Name
Welwyn Garden City Library (Campus West Library)
Woodhall Library
Campus West Conference Centre
Woodhall Community Centre
Hyde Community Association
Douglas Tilbe House
Panshanger Community Centre
Ludwick Family Club
Vineyard Barn
The Free Church Hall
St Francis of Assisi Church Hall
Christ the King Church Hall
Digswell Village Hall
YMCA Childcare
Ludwick Nursery School
Rowan Tree Day Nursery
Squirrels at Ludwick Nursery School
Nord Anglia Day Nurseries
Hall Grove Community Pre School
Baby Signing
Childcare in Canada
Child Base Day Nursery
Harwood Hill Pre-School
Annabels Montessori School
Brocket Pre-School
Jigsaw Day Nursery
International Youth Hostel Federation
First Panshanger Girls Brigade
The Sea Cadet Corps
Air Training Corps
Monks Walk Youth Centre
Welwyn Garden City Boundary
Community Halls
Libraries
Youth Clubs
Nurseries
Page 53
Map 5.2 Places of worship
ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Name
Christchurch Baptist Church
Fountain of Life
Herts Renewel & Family Church
Panshanger Church
The Free Church
Woodhall Lane United Reform Church
St Francis of Assisi Church
Howlands Baptist Church
Our Lady Queen of Apostles
Pentecostal Church
St Bonaventure Catholic Church
St Mary Magdalene Parish Church
Adventist Community Church
Christ the King
Digswell Parish Church
St John the Evangelist C of E Church (Lemsford)
St John the Evangelist (Welwyn Garden City)
First Church of Christian Scientist
Panshanger United Church
Campus Church (Independent Baptist)
Panshanger Evangelical Free Church
Welwyn Garden City Hebrew Congregation
Jehovah's Witness
Ludwick Way Methodist Church
Vineyard Barn Methodist Church
Society of Friends (Quakers)
Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
Key:
Places of Worship
Community facility need/ opportunities
Key findings from the above review that impact on the need/ opportunities for community facility
provision, as part of any future development, include:
• there is strong strategic support for community development that will help to foster a ‘sense of
community’ and maintain the vitality and viability of WGC
• the audit process demonstrates that there are a variety of community facilities across the area, but
centralised provision is limited
• there appears to be demand for a reasonably priced, multi-use facility including a large hall and
meeting rooms for use by faith groups, other community groups, play groups/ crèches etc. Meeting
point facilities could also be included to meet the need for more facilities for young people. This
type of development could also be linked to cultural developments and/ or health centres
• the Council recognises non-denominational building as a good way to address the needs of multifaith groups but their feasibility has been questioned, as has the feasibility of combining faith
group and community. This is due to compatibility issues – both between faiths and between faith
and other groups - due to time requirements, objectives etc
• the PCT indicated their interest in exploring the opportunity to develop a combined community/
cultural/ leisure and health facility
• of the proposed sites, this type of facility would be best accommodated on The Campus.
In summary, a centralised multi-purpose community facility incorporating health provision is considered
attractive but the feasibility of such a development needs to analysed in detail. A comprehensive
feasibility study is therefore recommended.
Page 54
SECTION 6
MUSEUM, CULTURAL AND ART FACILITY PROVISION
SECTION 6 – MUSEUM, CULTURE AND ART FACILITY PROVISION
Museum, culture and art facility provision
6.1
programme, relating to the need and development opportunities for museum, culture
and art facility provision within WGC and the two development areas under
consideration.
6.2
Museum, culture and art facility provision includes museums and other public visitor
attractions, theatre provision, art galleries/ workshops and exhibition space etc.
6.3
We have aimed to make the following section as concise as possible, using bullet
point style and focussing on key relevant issues. Additional supporting information is
provided in the appendices to this report where considered appropriate.
Strategic context
6.4
opportunity for museum, culture and art facility provision in WGC are summarised in
Table 6.1 below.
Table 6.1 Summary strategic context findings
Document
Welwyn Hatfield
District Plan 2005
“The Next Five
Years – Five
Promises”
•
the overall aim of the District Plan is to improve quality of life in
the borough, identified as a key issue in Welwyn Hatfield
through consultation with the community. Key objectives of the
plan are to provide for development to meet the needs of local
people, to maintain and enhance the quality of the urban
environment, to foster a ‘sense of community,’ and to maintain
the vitality and viability of WGC
•
the local plan states that the provision of leisure, arts and
cultural facilities will need to be dynamic to meet the changing
needs and expectations of both local people and visitors to the
borough. The general growth in tourism must also be met
sustainably and, for the economic benefit of the borough, by the
provision of new facilities and the enhancement of existing
attractions· policy. Policy CL2 notes that the preferred location
for new leisure facilities is in the borough’s two town centres
•
policy CLT4 encourages the development of arts and cultural
facilities in the borough, provided that proposals exercise no
harmful impacts on nearby residential property, and does not
cause “unacceptable nuisance in terms of noise or traffic
generation”
•
the plan notes that the borough is well placed to develop
tourism in terms of its location, its heritage and the number of
visitor attractions already within its boundary. There is also
considerable untapped potential in terms of the heritage of the
Garden City. Policy CLT5 states that the Council will permit
development proposals for new and improved tourist attractions
and facilities according to same conditions of CLT4
•
promise 4 is committed to encouraging a sense of community in
the Borough, through supporting and investing in Welwyn
Hatfield’s arts, sports and heritage. Promise 4 also commits to
installing new exhibition facilities at Campus West to celebrate
the heritage of the borough, and to work in partnership to
improve the well-being of children and young people
Page 56
Document
“Enjoy!” A Cultural
Strategy for
Hertfordshire
Enjoying Life:
Making the Most of
Living in Welwyn
Hatfield
The Role of Culture
in the Sustainable
Development of the
East of England
Welwyn Hatfield’s
Community Plan,
2004
•
Enjoy! Message 1 aims to make Hertfordshire a more
prosperous place to live, work or visit, while Message 2 aims to
encourage children and young people to access and enjoy
cultural and leisure activities. Message refers to the need to
enable all members of the community to access cultural and
leisure pursuit, while Message 6 commits to working in
partnership with national, regional and local agencies to deliver
a range of cultural and leisure activities
•
theme 1 of this document aims to help young people develop
their potential, while Theme 2 encourages participation and
involvement in cultural life. Theme 3 aims to make Welwyn
Hatfield a more attractive, healthy and safe place to live, work
and visit.
•
key themes of this document include “growth and regeneration
“(increasing investment in culture-led growth and regeneration),
“tourism” (developing the best cultural tourism offer of the
English regions by 2020) and “Olympic spirit” (maximising the
benefits from the Olympics coming to London in 2012.
•
key aims of this document include developing children’s and
young people’s potential, improving transport systems, and
helping people to enjoy life in Welwyn Hatfield
Market research
6.5
to museum, culture and art facility provision.
6.6
museum, culture and art facility provision are as follows:
i)
Museums
•
28% of respondents never visit museums over 50% of respondents only visit
once every 2-3 months or less frequently
•
44% of respondents rated the quality of Mill Green Museum & Mill as
satisfactory or better; 55% did not know or did not respond
•
60% of respondents did not know the quality of Welwyn Roman Baths (or did
not respond to the question) but 37% thought it was satisfactory or better
•
when asked what other museums people visit, many indicated museums
located in London, Stevenage and St Albans
•
31% believe the provision of museums in WGC is about right; 40% did not
answer/ had no opinion
•
a museum of garden cities and a museum of town planning were cited as new
museums likely to be used if they were provided.
Page 57
ii) Theatre
•
21% go to the theatre once every 2-3 months; 37% less frequently and 20%
never go to the theatre
•
the quality of Campus West Live Theatre was rated as good by 20% of
respondents; Barn Theatre was rated as good by 16% - for both circa 60% of
respondents did not know or did not respond to the question
•
when asked about the quality of the University of Herts Theatre, 90% of
respondents did not know the quality or did not respond
•
37% of respondents believe that provision of theatres in WGC is about right
or more than enough; 41% have no opinion or did not respond
•
when asked what other theatres were visited, respondents identified venues
in London, Potters Bar, Stevenage, St Albans and Hatfield
•
when asked to rate the top 5 facilities required in WGC, the third most
commonly rated was theatres (40% of respondents identified theatres as a
facility they want in the future).
iii) Art galleries
•
43% of respondents never go to art galleries and 60% never take part in local
arts activities
•
over 50% did not know the quality of Campus West New Maynard Gallery/
DFR Gallery
•
31% believe the provision of art galleries in WGC is about right; 40% did not
answer/ had no opinion
•
when asked what other museums people visit, many indicated art galleries
located in London, Stevenage and St Albans.
6.7
to the need for museum, culture and art facility provision are as follows:
i) Museums
•
56% of respondents visit museums once every 2-3 months or less frequently
•
68% did not know the quality (or did not respond) of Campus West – New
Maynard Gallery/ DFR Gallery but 30% rated them as satisfactory or better
•
43% rated the quality of Welwyn Roman Baths as satisfactory or better (56%
did not know/ did not respond)
•
30% rated the level of provision of museums in WGC as nearly enough or not
enough; 48% did not respond or had no opinion.
Page 58
ii) Theatre
•
54% visit theatres once very 2-3 months or less frequently
•
circa 60% did not respond or did not know the quality of Campus West – Live
Theatre or Barn Theatre – an even larger proportion of respondents (88%) did
not respond or did not know the quality of the University of Herts Theatre
•
33% believe the level of provision of theatres in WGC is about right or more
than enough; 57% did not know or did not respond.
iii) Art galleries
•
54% visit art galleries once very 2-3 months or less frequently; 55% never
take part in local arts activities
•
30% rated the level of provision of art galleries in WGC as nearly enough or
not enough; 48% did not respond or had no opinion.
6.8
need for museum, culture and art facility provision are as follows:
i) Museums
•
48% of children who responded to the survey indicated they visit museums in
WGC once every 2-3 months or less frequently; 30% never visit museums
•
over 50% did not know the quality of Mill Green Museum & Mill or Welwyn
Roman Baths.
ii) Theatre
•
over 50% did not know the quality of Campus West Live Theatre, Barn
Theatre of the University of Herts Theatre.
iii) Art galleries
•
55% never visit art galleries
•
64% did not know the quality of Campus West – New Maynard Gallery/ DFR
Gallery.
Consultation
6.9
opportunity for museum, culture and art facility provision are as follows:
Need for museum, culture and art facility provision
•
consultees felt that WGC is not currently seen as a destination for arts
activities. Existing events in the town are not well publicised, and current
cultural provision (eg libraries, museums) is scattered rather than being
brought together under one roof. It was felt that a clustering of facilities via
“cultural hubs” could help with joint marketing, and in attracting people in to
facilities they might not otherwise visit
Page 59
•
consultees referred to a “limited” cultural programme in the town, and noted
that, as London is a clear draw for residents of the town, cultural facilities
need to distinguish themselves from, rather than compete with London’s
cultural offer
•
it was felt that Campus West is becoming dated, and is an unattractive
building. There was seen to be some merit in transferring these facilities to a
more central location. However, Campus West is clearly a well valued local
facility, which has developed its own niche in terms of its film provision.
However, some consultees questioned whether young people are interested
in attending art house-type films at Campus West, preferring instead to view
up-to-date blockbusters at the Hatfield multiplex
•
consultees noted that there is no large auditoria space in the town, though
questioned whether there was a market for this type of facility. It was also
highlighted that there is a lack of a hall with good acoustics for concerts/
recitals, which is an issue throughout Hertfordshire. There is also no
appropriate, dedicated space for small scale music events such as the weekly
music events held in Dunstable. The University of Hertfordshire does contain
a 500 seat auditorium, but this can be difficult for those to access without a
car. Consultees felt that better public transport linkages between WGC and
Hatfield would be welcomed.
•
the area enjoys a thriving young band circuit, though there is a lack of music
recording studios and rehearsal space. There is also little performing space
available for young people not yet old enough to use pubs and clubs
•
there is also a lack of studio space for young artists, and a dearth of
affordable starter units means that the area loses young artists, due to the
high cost of living. Those artists which do remain in the area are compelled to
rely upon inappropriate facilities. It was felt that the Shredded Wheat factory
offers excellent potential as converted studio space for young artists
•
there is insufficient art exhibition and gallery space in the town. Local
stakeholders are trying to overcome these issues on a voluntary basis. The
current lack of secure space and dedicated curators for art displays limits the
quality of art which can be displayed in the town, and the calibre of artists
which can be attracted. Nevertheless, it is felt that current provision for the
display of local artists is good
•
there is a conflict between the Flora Robson Galley and the New Maynard
Gallery in Campus West, arising from differences in terms of management,
standard and selection of pieces, and aims
•
the County has a strong track record in the film industry, which could be built
upon.
•
dance space provision was also thought to be deficient
•
consultees noted insufficient provision of good quality meeting space at rates
affordable by local community groups. Current facilities are often ramshackle,
in poor condition, with consequently high maintenance costs
Page 60
•
stakeholders referred to a lack of exhibition space in the town. Currently,
museum space is limited, and Mill Green Museum is located equidistant
between WGC and Hatfield, making it difficult to access for a “drop-in” visit.
Mill Green is also a listed building, and therefore there is a limit to any
alterations which can be made. There is therefore also no space to exhibit
displays about other parts of the borough’s past, such as the BAE heritage in
Hatfield. Mill Green is however highly rated by the museum community for its
educational work and its professionally run operation
•
there is no “town museum” in WGC, and hence no celebration of the town’s
garden city heritage. Consultees felt that there was a need to embrace the
garden city heritage, as a way of continuing to attract visitors to the town.
However, a poor level of provision of tourist information facilities was also
noted. Any new developments, it was felt, must be in keeping with the town’s
heritage, and of an appropriate scale for the town. Given the proximity of
London, many people are willing to travel into the capital to access the “big”
museums, hence WGC should try to develop its own offer, rather than
competing with London
•
Letchworth is currently considering the feasibility of a museum of Garden
Cities. In addition, a new cultural centre in Hitchin is being planned, and a
steering group is investigating the feasibility of a North Hertfordshire museum.
•
there is a general trend of falling numbers of school visits to museums.
Consultees felt that any museum must consider its audience, and address the
needs of all age groups
•
there are currently limited facilities at Mill Green to research local heritage
and family history, and hence local researchers typically travel to Hertford
•
Hertfordshire does not contain a County Museum, and hence there is no
County Art Collection. WGC Library also houses the Sir Frederic Osborn
archive, and it is felt that these should be exhibited in a more appropriate
venue
•
it was felt by some that existing cultural activities and facilities are not well
publicised or marketed. The “Enjoy Hertfordshire” brand has been strongly
developed – could facilities in WGC link into this branding?
•
other museums in the area which attract visitors from WGC include Hatfield
House, at Verulanium at St Albans
•
improved, and better publicised cultural programme
•
enhanced museum provision, potentially incorporating meeting space for local
groups, and forming a key component of improved provision for tourists
•
improved gallery, performance and studio space
•
redevelop the building and space at Campus West.
Page 61
Facility audit
6.10
A comprehensive review of existing and planned museum, culture and art facility
provision within WGC was undertaken. All provision identified is illustrated on Map
6.1.
6.11
Summary information on key museum, culture and art facility provision, which could
impact on the viability of new development on either of the proposed development
sites, is provided in Appendix C.
6.12
In summary, the audit process demonstrates that:
•
•
6.13
nine museum, cultural and arts facilities fall within the 15 minute catchment
area made up of:
-
three museums (Welwyn Roman Baths, Mill Green Museum and Mill and
Hatfield House)
-
three arts facilities (New Maynard Gallery, Flora Robson Gallery and Art
and Design Gallery, University of Hertfordshire)
-
three theatres (Barn Theatre, Campus West and the Art and Design
Gallery, University of Hertfordshire)
there is widespread provision of museums, arts and theatre facilities on the
boundary of the 15 minute catchment area in Stevenage, St Albans and
Hertford.
There is a general perception, reinforced by the audit findings, that museum and
other cultural provision across Hertfordshire is good and development needs are
therefore typically localised in nature.
Museum, culture and art facility need/ opportunities
Key findings from the above review that impact on the need/ opportunities for museum, culture
and art facility provision as part of any future development include:
• there is currently mixed usage of existing museum, cultural and arts facilities/ lack of
awareness
• there is a strong strategic context and broad support for improved museum provision
potentially combined with other cultural and arts provision in WGC
• if new cultural provision is proposed, provision at Campus West may also need to be
reconsidered
• strong competition from London is recognised – provision needs to be localised in nature
• current provision is fragmented – Campus West becoming dated, Mill Green is small with no
development potential
• limited need identified for performance/ rehearsal space, dance studios, music studios, starter
units for young artists and hall for concerts – but could be explored further
• of the proposed sites, this type of facility would be best accommodated on the Campus, and
particularly Campus East.
In summary, centralised cultural facility provision, incorporating a local museum – potentially linked
to community facilities – is considered attractive but the feasibility needs to be analysed in detail. A
comprehensive feasibility study is therefore recommended.
Page 62
Map 6.1 Museum, culture and art facility provision
Key:
15 Minute Drivetime
Art facilities
Museums
Theatres
ID
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Name
ID
Welwyn Roman Baths
17
Mill Green Museum and Mill
18
Datchworth Museum
19
De Haviland Aircraft Heritage Centre
20
Hertford Museum
21
Hitchin British Schools
22
Knebworth House
23
Lowewood Museum
24
Museum of St Albans
25
Verulamium Museum, St Albans
26
St Albans Organ Museum
27
Shaw's Corner, Ayot St Lawrence
28
Stevenage Museum
29
Ware Museum
30
Wyllyotts Centre Local History Museum, Potters Bar
31
Hatfield House
Name
The Barn Theatre
Campus West Arts & Conference Centre
Alban Arena (St Albans)
The Auditorium
Castle Hall, Hertford
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Lytton Theatre
Sandpit Theatre
Trestle Arts Base
Boxfield Gallery, Stevenage
Courtyard Arts Centre
Hertfordshire Gallery, Hertford
New Maynard Gallery
Flora Robson Gallery
Art and Design Gallery, University of Hertfordshire
Page 63
SECTION 7
COMMERCIAL LEISURE FACILITY PROVISION
SECTION 7 – COMMERCIAL LEISURE FACILITY PROVISION
Commercial leisure facilities
7.1
programme, relating to the need and development opportunities for commercial
leisure facility provision within WGC and the two development sites under
consideration.
7.2
Commercial leisure facility provision includes cinemas, ten-pin bowling, restaurants,
conference and exhibition centres, hotels, nightclubs and other entertainment
facilities that are typically privately owned and operated by commercial leisure
specialists and accessed on either a ‘pay-and-play’ or members only basis.
7.3
Once again, we have aimed to make the following section as concise as possible,
using bullet point style and focussing on key relevant issues. Additional supporting
information is provided in the appendices to this report where considered
appropriate.
Strategic context
7.4
opportunity for commercial leisure facility provision in WGC are summarised in Table
7.1 below.
Table 7.1 Summary commercial leisure related strategic context findings
Document
Welwyn Hatfield
District Plan 2005
“The Next Five
Years – Five
Promises”
“Enjoy!” A Cultural
Strategy for
Hertfordshire
•
the overall aim of the District Plan is to improve quality of life in
the borough, identified as a key issue in Welwyn Hatfield
through consultation with the community. Key objectives of the
plan are to provide for development to meet the needs of local
people, to maintain and enhance the quality of the urban
environment, to foster a ‘sense of community,’ and to maintain
the vitality and viability of Welwyn Garden City
•
the local plan states that the provision of leisure facilities will
need to be dynamic to meet the changing needs and
expectations of both local people and visitors to the borough.
The general growth in tourism must also be met sustainably
and, for the economic benefit of the borough, by the provision of
new facilities and the enhancement of existing attractions.
Policy CLT2 notes that the preferred location for new leisure
facilities is in the borough’s two town centres
•
the plan notes that there is a shortage of hotel bed-spaces to
support business and tourist visitors. Policy CLT6 therefore
states that Welwyn Hatfield Council will grant planning
permission for proposals which increase and improve hotel
accommodation within the borough. The preferred locations for
hotels are in the borough's town centres and on the designated
sites on the Hatfield aerodrome site
•
promise 4 is committed to encouraging a sense of community in
the Borough, and to encouraging the development of a lively
evening economy whilst safeguarding the well-being of town
centre residents. Promise 4 also commits the Council to
supporting and investing in the Borough’s arts, sports and
heritage, and to working in partnership to develop new leisure
opportunities
•
Enjoy! Message 1 aims to make Hertfordshire a more
prosperous place to live, work or visit, while Message 2 aims to
encourage children and young people to access and enjoy
Page 64
Enjoying Life:
Making the Most of
Living in Welwyn
Hatfield
Welwyn Hatfield’s
Community Plan,
2004
•
•
cultural and leisure activities. Message refers to the need to
enable all members of the community to access cultural and
leisure pursuit, while Message 6 commits to working in
partnership with national, regional and local agencies to deliver
a range of cultural and leisure activities
theme 3 aims to make Welwyn Hatfield a more attractive,
healthy and safe place to live, work and visit, while Theme 4
aims to promote prosperity and regeneration
key aims of this document include improving transport systems,
and helping people to enjoy life in Welwyn Hatfield
Market research
7.5
Detailed analysis of the postal, user/ drop-in and internet survey findings is provided
in Appendix C. Within this section we draw out the key findings of relevance to
commercial leisure facility provision.
7.6
commercial leisure facility provision are as follows:
i)
Cinemas
•
just under 50% of respondents go to the cinema once a month or once every
2-3 months
•
both the quality of UCI Cinema in Hatfield and Campus West Cinema were
rated by over 50% as satisfactory or better
•
respondents identified other cinemas regularly visited as ones in London, St
Albans, Hatfield and Stevenage
•
40% believe the level of provision of cinemas in WGC is about right; 30% did
not have an opinion or did not respond
•
when asked what facilities respondents would like to see provided in WGC,
the second most rated facility was cinema (51% rated this as a priority).
ii) 10 pin bowling
•
52% of respondents never go 10 pin bowling and 19% go once every 12
months.
iii) Bars, nightclubs, restaurants
•
71% never go to nightclubs and 19% go once every 12 months
•
a spread of responses were given for how frequently people go to bars and
pubs
•
58% of respondents eat out at restaurants once a month or more frequently
Page 65
•
respondents indicated that outside WGC, they travel as far as London to go to
nightclubs, bars, pubs and restaurants
•
53% did not have an opinion on the level of provision of nightclubs in WGC
•
just under 40% believed the level of provision of restaurants in WGC was
either nearly enough or not enough whilst 29% believed provision levels were
about right
•
the top rated facility was restaurants (54% rated this as a priority) and second
rated was cinema (51%).
iv) Other commercial leisure
•
48% did not know the quality of Campus West Roller City
•
79% do not go to music concerts/ events.
7.7
to the need for commercial leisure facility provision are as follows:
b) Cinemas
•
almost an even spread of responses were given for all ratings of frequency
with which people visit cinemas – the highest rating was 30% for once every
2-3 months
•
61% rated the quality of UCI Cinema in Hatfield as satisfactory or better
•
52% rated the quality of Campus West Cinema as satisfactory or better
•
there was a split of opinion regarding the level of provision of cinemas in
WGC – 33% rated provision as more than enough or about right and 36%
rates provision as nearly enough or not enough
•
the third rated facility was cinema (47% rated this as a priority).
ii) 10 pin bowling
•
44% never go 10 pin bowling.
iii) Bars, nightclubs, restaurants
•
60% never go to nightclubs; 70% had no opinion regarding provision levels
•
a mixed response profile was given for the frequency of going to pubs and
bars and the levels of provision in WGC
•
65% eat out at restaurants once every months or more frequently and there
was a split of opinion regarding the level of provision of restaurants in WGC –
32% believe it to be about right or more than enough and 39% believed to be
nearly enough or not enough
Page 66
•
the top rated facility when respondents were asked to identify any new
facilities required was restaurants (identified by 53%).
iv) Other commercial leisure
•
75% go to music concerts/ events once every 2-3 months or less frequent
•
48% did not know the quality of Campus West Roller City
•
23% do not believe provision of music concerts and events is enough in
WGC; just over 50% did not respond to the question or did not have an
opinion.
7.8
need for commercial leisure facility provision are as follows:
i) Cinemas
•
77% go to the cinema once a month or more frequently; 21% go once a
week, 34% go once every 2-3 weeks and 22% go once every month
•
81% rated the quality of UCI Cinema Hatfield as satisfactory or better
•
43% did not know the quality of Campus West Cinema
•
when asked to rate what new facilities would be most likely be used if they
were provided, 53% rated cinema as the top priority.
ii) 10 pin bowling
•
30% of respondents go 10 pin bowling once every 2-3 months – all other
responses were spread across other frequency ratings
•
when asked to rate what new facilities would be most likely be used if they
were provided, 44% rated 10 pin bowling as the third priority.
iii) Youth clubs/ disco
•
there was a spread of responses across all ratings when asked how
frequently they go to youth clubs/ discos – the highest response with once a
week (20%).
iv) Restaurants
•
66% eat out at restaurants once a month or more frequently.
v) Other commercial leisure
•
62% rated the quality of Campus West Roller City as satisfactory or better.
Page 67
7.9
A selection of survey quotes relating to the need for additional commercial leisure
provision is presented in the box below.
Survey quotations regarding the need for commercial leisure facility provision
“St Albans has a thriving nightlife, with lovely bars and restaurants. I would like WGC to
have a similar feel to it as there is nothing to do locally in the evenings”.
“Need to develop leisure facilities that attract cross section of community not just young
people. It needs to be centralised to give the town a heart which it lacks at the moment. A
square for markets, musical events with cafes, bars and restaurants around. 10 Pin
Bowling Alley for young people, an indoor venue for live music, theatre, the square could
host New Years Eve events”.
Consultation
7.10
opportunity for commercial leisure facility provision are as follows:
Need for commercial leisure provision
•
many consultees highlighted the lack of an evening economy in Welwyn
Garden City, and the absence of a bar and restaurant culture. It was felt that
a lack of activities during the evening for both young and older people meant
that consumers are attracted out of Welwyn Garden City by the facilities
offered by Hertford and St Albans, leading to a sense of decline in Welwyn
Garden City town centre. Currently, the only evening activities available
during the evening in the town are those offered by pubs and Roller City
•
students from Hatfield in particular are likely to look to St Albans and London
for their evening leisure, though this would be a valuable market for Welwyn
Garden City to tap into, given than around 20,000 students live in the
borough. However, consultation has indicated plans by the University of
Hertfordshire to develop a Student Union facility, which may lead to more
students undertaking evening leisure activities on campus
•
consultees noted a lack of variety of restaurants, with the current focus of
activity very much upon pizza and Italian restaurants. For other restaurants to
be successful, consultees suggested that a “critical mass” of evening
activities needs to be available, rather than one or two isolated restaurants
•
a lack of local night clubs and hotels was highlighted, as well as a dearth of
certain types of shops. The need for a permanent cinema or multiplex was
noted by multiple consultees but an important message was that a ‘leisure
box’ type development, in the style of the Stevenage Leisure Park, is not
considered appropriate for WGC. Whilst there is demand for commercial
leisure provision, the design of any scheme should be sympathetic to the
town’s garden city heritage, effectively creating a medium scale high quality
environment, with a superior offer relative to other competing leisure parks.
•
it was felt by some that the presence of traffic detracts from the town centre,
and the Welwyn Garden City would benefit from being pedestrianised. The
parking area outside of the Howard Centre could also be made more
attractive.
Page 68
7.11
Key development opportunities identified from the consultation process include:
•
mixed commercial leisure to improve the night time economy including bars,
restaurants and cinema
•
enhanced hotel bed space in the borough.
Facility audit
7.12
A comprehensive review of existing and planned commercial leisure facility provision
within Welwyn Garden City and the surrounding towns was undertaken, using a 15minute drive time catchment.
7.13
Based on this review process, Map 7.2 illustrates current provision of restaurants
within WGC, whilst Map 7.1 illustrates other commercial leisure provision identified,
which includes 10-pin bowling, cinema and hotel provision.
7.14
Summary information on this provision is provided in Appendix D but in summary, the
audit process demonstrates that:
•
there are three cinemas provided within the 15 minute drive
time. Campus West in WGC is small scale and only shows the
mainstream releases a few months after they are released.
Stevenage Leisure Park is a large site with 16 screens and
3000 capacity operated by Cineworld. It is a typical leisure
park type development. The Galleria is based in a outlet
centre, has 9 screens and 2000 capacity and is operated by
UCI (now owned by Odeon)
•
there is one 10 pin bowling facility just within the drivetime in
Stevenage (Hollywood Bowl)
7.15
CineWorld, Stevenage
•
there are seven hotels located within easy reach of WGC
town centre but none in the town centre
•
the restaurant provision in WGC town centre is limited and dominated by
branded pizza/ Italian restaurants, with other provision being primarily local
independent operator led.
The only major commercial leisure provision plans
identified in the surrounding area are in St Albans, just
outside of the 15-minute catchment area. Development
plans for the town centre include a seven screen, 900 seat
cinema complex, provision for two restaurants, up to 172
one and two bedroom apartments and more than 500 car
parking spaces at basement level. Contracts have already
been signed between the City and District Council and their
preferred developer Henry Davidson Developments to
build the complex, which they aim to have completed in
2008.
Artists impression of proposed St
Albans cinemas development
Page 69
7.16
At present it is understood that the plans are being reconsidered by the developers in
response to community consultation findings in terms of their scale and design,
although the planning application is also due for consideration on 15 May 2006.
7.17
We also understand that there are proposals for hotel development on the Hatfield
Aerodrome site.
7.18
This facility audit process demonstrates that whilst there is good commercial leisure
provision on the edge/ outside of the 15-minute drive time, there is limited central
provision, indicating market potential for new development.
Map 7.1 Commercial leisure provision
Name
1 The Galleria
2 Campus West Theatre
3 Cineworld, Stevenage
4 Hollywood Bowl
5 Brocket Hall
6 Quality Hotel Welwyn
7 Tewin Bury Farm Hotel
8 The White Hart Hotel/ Restaurant
9 Travel Inn
10 Homestead Court Hotel
11 Bush Hall Hotel & Restaurant
11
Key
Welwyn Garden
City Boundary
15 Minute Drivetime
Ten Pin Bowling
Cinemas
Hotels
Page 70
Map 7.2 Restaurant provision in WGC
22
ID Name
1 Fu Hao Chinese Restaurant
2 Novelli at Auberge du Lac
3 Bipash Tandoori Restaurant
4 Indian Spice
5 Pavilion Restaurant The
6 Raj Garden
7 Raj of India
8 Morelli's Cappuccino
9 Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd
10 PizzaExpress plc
11 Ask
12 Terranova Restaurant
13 Beehive Restaurant & Pub
14 Long & Short Arm
15 Cork
16 The Crooked Chimney
17 Burridge A Fisheries
18 Haldens Fisheries
19 Lee's Fish & Chips
20 Sizzlers Fish & Chip Takeaway
21 Welwyn Fisheries (Stonehills) Ltd
22 Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
Key:
Chinese
Mexican
French
Mixed
Indian
Seafood
Italian
Soft market testing
7.19
This section sets out the results of initial soft market testing undertaken to establish
the potential level of commercial leisure operator interest in the development of
commercial leisure facilities in Welwyn Garden City.
7.20
The soft market testing process focussed on cinema operators, both commercial and
independent, as well as A3 operators. Cinema operators were targeted because a
high level of demand was identified for cinemas and they are also typically the key to
mixed commercial leisure sites, as they draw a high footfall that attracts other
operators. A3 operators were considered an important target in light of the currently
limited number of A3 operations in WGC.
7.21
Hotel operators have not been consulted at this stage, as this form of provision does
not fall within the leisure and community provision focus of this study, although we
recommend that this provision category be subject to further consideration as part of
any proposed mixed use development.
Page 71
7.22
The initial soft market testing involved drawing upon information from recent market
testing exercises undertaken by PMP for similar studies, as well as telephone
consultations with a number of key operators using a standard question pro-forma to
explore their potential level of interest in WGC.
Commercial cinema provision
7.23
There are a limited number of key operators in the cinema market following recent
mergers. Two of the key operators already operate key facilities close to WGC
including:
•
Hatfield Galleria – operated by UCI Cinemas, which is now part of Odeon
•
Stevenage Leisure Park – this is operated by Cine UK Limited, which also
now includes UGC cinemas.
7.24
Messages were left for the Acquisitions Managers for both of these companies but no
response was made. However, it is anticipated that they would not be interested in
provision in WGC due to their existing operations and potential displacement issues.
7.25
Showcase Cinemas is another major UK operator that we contacted but they stated
that were not interested in WGC as they are looking for catchment populations in
excess of 250,000 within 30 minutes drivetime and ideally no competing cinemas to
support large scale cinema developments. They believe that competing provision in
the WGC catchment area would not make this viable.
7.26
Vue Entertainment is the cinema operator currently in discussions with St Albans
District Council and Henry Davidson Developments regarding cinema development in
St Albans. Their agents stated that they would be very interested in exploring
opportunities in WGC and anticipated developers will ‘bend over backwards’ for a
mixed commercial leisure development site in the town centre. Typically they look for
a catchment of 45,000 people within 10 minutes, and 100,000 within 20 minutes for
8-10 screen facilities, and WGC would address this catchment requirement.
7.27
Vue Entertainment stated that they would look for a minimum of seven screens at
any new facility. Indicative footprint for a development in WGC would be 22,00023,000 square feet. They also noted that any development would need to be
structured to avoid a price war with Hatfield. They indicated that their typical
approach to a development of this nature would be to do a deal with the overall site
developer ie % of turnover, so that their payment was linked into the over integrity of
the development. They also provide the technical fit outs, although funding for these
are usually agreed with the developer based on the financial models used in each
instance. They usually look for institutional covenants of 25 years on their sites, with
a 15-year break clause.
7.28
Based on the above discussions and experience from other similar studies, key
reasons for not being interested in commercial cinema development in WGC are
likely to include:
•
the catchment/local population is too small for their product and therefore
Welwyn Garden City is not a target town – this is likely to be a particular issue
for some of the larger cinema operators
•
there is existing provision in the area that would be competitive – this was a
particular issue for the larger cinema and bowling operators who indicated
that provision in Stevenage and Hatfield would impact upon the market
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potential of large scale provision. This could also be problematic for small to
medium size cinema operators if it led to a price war, although it indicated that
it should be possible to manage this
•
7.29
internal business development reasons – a number of the cinema operators
have recently merged, as noted above and are consolidating their assets
before progressing additional developments.
Of those operators/ developers that are likely to be interested, key issues to consider
are likely to be as follows:
•
there is a recognised need/ opportunity to develop the evening economy in
WGC. There is strong support from the A3/ licensed premises market (see
later in this section) and it is believed that a cinema would help to stimulate
wider market interest
•
the WGC catchment is considered sufficiently robust to make a mixed use
commercial leisure development viable – but scale and structure needs to be
appropriate for the market to ensure long term sustainability and avoid a price
war with other operators. A medium scale – circa 7/8 screen cinema may be
appropriate in light of competing provision
•
dependant upon the overall scope/ financial viability of the mixed use leisure
development, one operator noted that there may be the potential to achieve
Section 106 agreements for Council led community/ cultural developments in
the town centre. However, the nature of this opportunity would need to be
subject to further consideration, as it will be closely tied to the scope of
development permitted and the potential viability of the commercial elements
•
there is interest in both the Broadwater Road West and Campus (Town
Centre North/ Campus East sites) areas for commercial leisure development
dependant upon scale and accessibility
•
it should be noted that many cinema operations are not commercially viable in
their own right (they can generate an operational surplus but not repay capital
investment) but are key to many leisure developments as they result in a high
footfall and therefore attract other operators as noted above. In light of the
catchment population and other competing facilities in Hatfield and Stevenage
this may apply in WGC. As a consequence of this, one cinema operator
reinforced that any mixed-use scheme would need to be developer led, and
have sufficient scope/ critical mass to make the cinema viable. In this
scenario, a cinema operator may have a long-term (25 year) lease with the
developer based on the market potential. This could, for example, be at a set
level or a % of turnover, so it is directly linked to the success/ integrity of the
overall mixed use development. Typically, the overall site and individual
buildings would be developed by the developer and the cinema operator
would provide the technical fit out, although funding for this would be agreed
with the developer depending on the financial models used in each instance.
Independent cinema provision
7.30
Based on recent market testing with independent cinema operators and detailed
discussions with Everyman Cinema Club regarding potential opportunities in WGC,
we consider key issues impacting on the market interest in different forms of small
scale/ independent cinema development in WGC to be as follows:
Page 73
•
independent cinemas eg the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill and
Everyman Cinema at Hampstead Heath
•
these facilities typically require large affluent catchment populations to sustain
niche market provision and are reliant on product launches, conferences etc
to supplement income and/or low rentals. However, whilst typically the WGC
and surrounding market would be considered unlikely to be able to support
provision of this nature, the university market and existence of the current
cinema club at Campus West has led to some interest in exploring how the
existing market could be developed
•
the Everyman Cinema Club has stated that it would be interested in meeting
the Council to discuss their potential involvement in a town centre scheme.
They currently have one club in Hampstead Village but have a development
strategy and were involved in early discussions with St Albans before they
decided to select a commercial operator. Their offer is commercial in nature
and they would consider both rental or new build development, either
standalone or as part of a larger development, and have indicted that they are
interested in considering architecturally exciting schemes. A case study on
Everyman Cinema Clubs is provided in Section 8
•
key issues to consider if a scheme of this nature is progressed are that whilst
a smaller scale, high quality development of this nature may be more suited
to WGC, would it be accessible to young people and key target groups in the
local community and what level of support would be needed to ensure
commercial viability? ie low rentals or supporting commercial provision
•
independent cinema chains eg Harbour Lights, Southampton
•
the leading independent cinema chain is City Screen which operates 16
cinemas branded as Picturehouse. These cinemas are usually provided in
city centre locations and have strong links to universities (eg Oxford,
Cambridge, York, London, Brighton, Exeter & Aberdeen). They are also
dependant on varied programming
•
we have not had a response from City Screen in relation to the market testing
exercise but, based on similar previous schemes on which we have worked,
we anticipate that WGC and its surrounding market would be considered too
small to support provision of this nature
•
Council supported cinema/ theatre developments eg The Capitol arts
venue, Horsham
•
these town/ city based small scale cinemas linked to arts, cultural and theatre
developments are typically reliant on mixed programming, low rentals and
Council subsidies
•
existing operators of developments of this nature with whom we are currently
working, have indicated that options for WGC in relation to this option include:
-
expanding upon existing provision at Campus West, including, for
example, refurbishment, broadening of the programme, improved
marketing etc. However, the cost benefit of this form of development
would need to be analysed. It is likely to require Council capital and
Page 74
revenue support and the benefits in terms of increased usage or income
generation could be marginal
-
7.31
new build development on an alternative site, which could be designed to
link with other community facilities , to attract new markets, link to town
centre activities etc – but this would require significant Council capital and
revenue funding support and again, the added value of this form of
development, over and above that at Campus West, would need to be
analysed.
Based on this review, we consider ‘independent cinema’ provision to represent the
optimum opportunity for independent cinema provision in WGC from the three
provision categories reviewed above.
Restaurants, bars, pubs etc
7.32
The A3 operators and developers with whom we consulted recognise the lack of
leisure and licensed premises in WGC and believe that leisure, restaurants and cafes
could transform the town centre and benefit the local economy and that there would
be significant operator interest.
7.33
Davis Coffer Lyons expressed a particularly strong interest at this early stage. Their
primary interest is in licensed premises, but they work on wider use schemes
incorporating other leisure operators. Their approach would be to come in and work
with all of the landowners and other stakeholders to bring the mixed development
scheme together. They would submit planning applications, appoint a construction
company and bring in operators for the various elements. If residential was part of
the scheme, they would work with a residential developer. They noted that they
would consider looking at cross funding community/ cultural facility development
needs on the site, through some form of Section 106 agreement, if required,
dependant on the overall viability of the scheme.
Commercial leisure facility need/ opportunities
Key findings that impact on the identification of development options include:
• lack of evening economy – limited activity/ entertainment for both young and old –
residents travel elsewhere eg St Albans and Stevenage
• strong support for leisure park/ greater variety of bars, restaurants and commercial
leisure provision - restaurants, theatres and cinema all identified in top five facilities
required for both surveys as well as in survey comments
• some market interest in commercial cinema development in WGC, recognising that the
scale will need to reflect the size of/ competitors in the market. Potential interest in both
sites. Scheme will need to be developer led and have sufficient critical mass to make it
viable
• potential market interest for independent cinema operation identified but should be
explored further with potential operators to understand the potential impact upon the
existing cinema club/ theatre at Campus West and wider viability issues – see Sections
8/9
• significant market interest in restaurant, pub and bar development in WGC.
In summary, there is strong demand for, and developer/ operator interest in, mixed
commercial leisure to improve the night time economy in WGC including bars, restaurants,
cinema etc. Building upon experience elsewhere, we believe that a cinema would provide a
suitable anchor facility to generate wider interest in supporting restaurant/ leisure
development and over time, additional development in adjoining areas of the town. This could
potentially be accommodated on either or both of the sites, dependent upon the nature of
market interest and the scale of provision (ie commercial vs independent). We therefore
recommend that commercial leisure form part of a development framework for the sites and
the suitability of different provision types be subject to further consideration.
Page 75
SECTION 8
DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
SECTION 8 – DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
Development options summary
8.1
The following table provides a summary of the key development needs/ options
identified in Sections 3 to 7 and reviews them against the level of need identified,
suitability for development on either of the development sites under consideration
and the likely lead organisation for the options identified.
Table 8.1 Development/ needs options summary
Facility need
Swimming pool
Clear need identified
Suitability for
development sites
Lead Organisation
?
X - This is not considered a
suitable use of a town
centre site both due to land
values and the existence of
a comprehensive sports and
leisure site in the town at
Gosling Sports Park with
available development
space/ potential to benefit
from economies of scale.
Council - Public access
swimming pools are not
commercially viable and
typically require local
authority capital support
and revenue subsidy.
Council would need to
support development
(even if trust/ private
sector partner in place).
?
X
Council
This development could
address the need
identified for water based
activity and provide for
young people and
families plus address
concerns over loss of
Splashland but no
specific demand
expressed by residents.
This development is not
suitable for the sites under
consideration. Park based
setting required.
Typically operate at break
even or with revenue
support, unless combined
with income generating
opportunities. Council
own suitable park sites.
?
No specific demand was
identified. Small
oversupply at present/ in
near future but provision
concentrated in the south
of the borough. General
perception that the
market at saturation point.
Possible gap in market for
community/VFM provision
but Gosling development
may partly address this.
?
?
Council/ commercial
Private health and fitness
can be suitable for town
centre sites but is not
considered appropriate for
WGC at this stage due to
potential negative impact on
other recent/planned
developments. Town centre
not considered suitable for
community/VFM provision.
There are strong markets
for both private and public
sector health and fitness
provision due their
different target groups.
X
Council/ club
We do not consider indoor
bowls centre development
to be suitable/ viable for a
town centre site, due to the
relative development values
and the existence of other
more suitable sites.
Indoor bowls facilities are
typically operated by a
combination of local
authorities, private
operators, clubs and
trusts. However, the
Gosling facility was not
Council operated/ is not
considered a priority.
Local demand has been
identified but in supply/
demand modelling terms
the case for financial
support is marginal and
the geographical spread/
accessibility of provision
is the primary issue.
Interactive
water feature
Health and
fitness
Indoor bowls
Demand was identified
but is biased towards club
responses. Other clubs
have sufficient capacity to
accommodate Gosling
members, although there
are some accessibility
issues.
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76
Facility need
Clear need identified
Other indoor
sports
X
Oversupply of sports halls
identified, and good range
of other provision
identified. No other needs
identified. Gosling Sports
Park represents an
important leisure/
community resource.
Broad support for
improved transport to all
facilities.
9
Centralised multi-purpose
community facility is
considered attractive, and
supported by various
consultees although there
was no expressed
demand from local
residents.
Multipurpose
community/
health facility
Suitability for
development sites
X
No specific development
needs that could be met on
the two development sites
under consideration have
been identified.
9
This form of development is
considered suitable for the
Campus as it fits well with
existing Council/ community
provision at Campus West
and Campus East, the
Police Station etc. It is also
central but could be
differentiated from the retail
core.
Town museum
with improved
gallery space
9
Centralised cultural
facility provision, the key
focus of which would be a
local museum –
potentially linked to
community facilities – is
considered attractive and
there is a strong strategic
case.
9
This form of development is
considered suitable for the
Campus as it fits well with
existing cultural/ community
provision at Campus West
and Campus East.
Commercial
leisure
9
There is strong demand
for, and developer/
operator interest in, mixed
commercial leisure to
improve the nighttime
economy in WGC
including bars,
restaurants, cinema etc.
A cinema is considered to
be a suitable anchor
facility to generate wider
interest in supporting
restaurant/ leisure
development.
9
This could potentially be
accommodated on either or
both of the sites, dependent
upon the nature of market
interest and the scale of
provision. We therefore
recommend that commercial
leisure form part of a
development framework for
the sites.
Lead Organisation
Council/ commercial
Dependant upon nature
of provision.
Council & partners
Developments of this
nature typically require
significant Council and
other public sector
agency support, although
they may also be eligible
for grant funding.
Success dependant upon
partnership working
between the various
partners.
Council & partners
Developments of this
nature typically require
significant Council and
other public sector
agency support, although
they may also be eligible
for grant funding.
Success dependant upon
partnership working
between the various
partners.
Commercial
Would typically be entirely
private sector led. Council
involvement focussed
around the development
brief, planning
requirements and
potential Section 106
opportunities.
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77
8.2
8.3
In summary, our conclusions regarding each of the development options identified
are as follows:
•
swimming pool – the case for new provision is marginal and the town centre
is not a suitable location. Therefore, in the short term, transport to existing
provision could be improved. In the longer term, provision on existing leisure
sites / trust operation could be considered but it should be recognised that
Council capital and revenue support would be required. The displacement
impact on Hatfield Swim Centre also needs to be carefully analysed
•
interactive water feature – should be subject to further consideration by the
Council at one of the existing park sites eg Stanborough Park. Potential for
existing trust/ private sector operator should be explored
•
health and fitness - in the short term we also recommend action to increase
awareness of existing facilities. Major town centre development is not
considered suitable at this stage but future development proposals in the
north of the Borough should be subject to impact assessment as they emerge
•
indoor bowls – we recommend that the Council supports any club/
commercial sector plans for indoor bowls centre provision, but do not
consider it to be a Council financial priority, especially as other clubs are
considered to have sufficient capacity to accommodate Gosling members.
Furthermore, it is not considered suitable for town centre development
•
other indoor sports – no specific development needs that could be met on
the two development sites under consideration have been identified.
However, there is broad support for improved transport to all facilities
•
multipurpose community/ health facility - a centralised multi-purpose
community/ health facility on the Campus area is considered attractive but the
feasibility of such a development needs to analysed. A comprehensive
feasibility study is therefore recommended (an initial feasibility review is
provided in Section 9)
•
town museum with improved gallery space - centralised cultural facility
provision, the key focus of which would be a local museum – potentially linked
to community facilities – is considered attractive but the feasibility needs to be
analysed in detail. A comprehensive feasibility study is therefore
recommended (an initial feasibility review is provided in Section 9)
•
commercial leisure - there is strong demand for, and developer/ operator
interest in, mixed commercial leisure to improve the night time economy in
WGC including bars, restaurants, cinema etc. A cinema (commercial or
independent) is considered to be a suitable anchor facility to generate wider
interest in supporting restaurant/ leisure development and over time,
additional development in adjoining areas of the town. This could potentially
be accommodated on either or both of the sites, dependent upon the nature
of market interest and the scale of provision. We therefore recommend that
commercial leisure form part of a development framework for the sites.
As this review clearly demonstrates, multi-purpose community/ health facility, town
centre museum/ cultural facility and commercial leisure were the only development
options that had both clearly identified need and are considered suitable for
development on one of the two sites under consideration.
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78
8.4
Within this section we have therefore aimed to explore key elements of these three
development opportunities in further detail (building upon case studies and our
previous experience of similar schemes) and subjected them to detailed evaluation in
Section 9.
8.5
Recognising that the multi-purpose community/ health facility and town centre
museum/ cultural facility development options have many similar characteristics and,
we believe, could potentially be development together, we have reviewed them
together as option 1 ‘multipurpose community/ cultural/ health facility’, with
commercial leisure forming option 2.
Option 1 – Multipurpose community/ cultural/ health facility
8.6
Based on the review process, there is considered to be the potential for some form of
combined community, cultural and health based facility in WGC.
8.7
Potential elements of this facility could include:
•
a museum/ visitor attraction – covering local history and the garden city
movement, building upon provision at Mill Green and in the Campus West
library and the Council’s extensive library of artefacts, much of which is
currently archived
•
health centre – providing a combination of health facilities and services, in a
high quality, central facility, linked to other community and leisure facilities
that can generate economies of scale, benefit from high footfall and result in
improved services for local residents
•
multi-purpose divisible meeting/ activity rooms that could be used for a
combination of community group activities, multi-faith group activities,
business meetings and to support activities at the health centre, museum etc
•
a Meeting Point venue – there are plans to provide a Meeting Point in
Welwyn Garden City and this development could potentially be considered as
a venue. Building upon the Meeting Point at Breaks Manor Youth Centre, and
others that are rolled out, this facility would provide a well equipped, safe and
positive venue for young people to ‘hang out’ or do homework in a modern
space. The Breaks Manor Meeting Point is open to any young people aged
13 to19 and has a state of the art computer suite with Internet access and a
tasteful lounge with big screen TV, surround sound system, comfy furniture
and magazines of choice. There is also provision for hot and cold food
•
tourist information centre – currently there are no tourist information
centres/ areas in Welwyn Garden City, other than some limited information at
Campus West. This type of facility could potentially be the ideal site for
information to be provided, even if it was only in the form of an information
point or kiosk type facility
•
café/ refreshment facilities – in light of the potentially high footfall of a
venue of this nature there could be an opportunity to provide a café/
refreshment facilities. These could potentially be linked to the Meeting Point
venue and service the multipurpose rooms and other elements of the
development
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79
•
exhibition area – whilst there has not been an expressed demand for an
exhibition area, this type of facility could potentially be incorporated into the
design of the venue ie in the reception/ museum area, supporting additional
activities at the venue.
8.8
Any development taken forward could potentially have a combination of some or all
of these facilities, subject to their individual and combined viability.
8.9
Other facilities for which some demand was expressed during the research process
were multi-faith facilities, including meeting rooms and a large hall. Whilst the
extent and viability of this provision needs to be subject to further consideration, we
have concluded, at this stage, that whilst multi-faith provision could potentially be
accommodated adjacent to any proposed community facility, it may be necessary for
it to be separated from other community provision in some way (either physical or
perceived) to minimise any labelling of the development described above as a faith
facility, as this could impact negatively on usage of any development by other
groups.
8.10
There was broad consensus from all of the consultees that the optimum location for a
development of this nature would be the Campus. This is explored further in Section
9.
8.11
This option is subject to evaluation against a series of development criteria in Section
9, including funding, management, procurement options etc.
Option 2 - Commercial leisure
8.12
As detailed in Section 7 and summarised above, strong demand was identified for
the development of commercial leisure in WGC in order to improve the nighttime
economy, with cinema provision identified as the core focus of any development,
supported by restaurant and other provision. Initial market testing has also identified
some market interest in commercial leisure development in the town.
8.13
Based on these findings we believe that commercial leisure development should be
considered for one of the development sites under consideration.
8.14
We consider there to be two potential options for commercial leisure development in
WGC and they are based around different types of cinema provision. These are
medium scale cinema provision (8-10 screens) and smaller (max 4 screen)
independent cinema provision.
8.15
Cinema provision is considered to be a suitable anchor facility for commercial leisure
development in Welwyn Garden City as it generates a high footfall and is therefore
able to attract supporting restaurant/ commercial leisure operators. Over time, the
success of these developments often then attracts additional leisure development in
adjoining areas of the town.
8.16
These development options, and suitable sites, can be summarised as follows:
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80
1. Medium scale cinema led provision
8.17
Key features of this type of provision would typically include:
•
circa 7 to 10 screens maximum with supporting ancillary provision including
F&B offer (this is considered to be the maximum feasible scale of
development in light of large competing provision in Stevenage and Hatfield)
•
showing latest films
•
national cinema chain eg Cine UK, Vue Cinemas, Odeon and Showcase
cinemas
•
supporting branded restaurants and bars
•
potentially for adjoining 10 pin bowling, nightclub, family entertainment centre,
hotel and other commercial leisure provision, dependant upon nature of the
local market
•
highly visible, high profiles sites with large car parking provision required
•
frequently developed as part of wider mixed use development schemes.
8.18
An important message from consultees is that a ‘leisure box’ type development, in
the style of the Stevenage Leisure Park, is not considered appropriate for WGC.
Whilst there is demand for commercial leisure provision, the design of any scheme
should be sympathetic to the town’s garden city heritage, effectively creating a
medium scale high quality environment, with a superior offer relative to other
competing leisure parks.
8.19
Broadwater Road West is considered the preferable site for this form of provision.
This is explored further in Section 9.
8.20
The following case studies of local medium and large-scale commercial cinema
complexes illustrate the key features of this form of development. However, these
facilities are not considered to offer the high quality environment, which may be
appropriate for provision in WGC, and it may be appropriate to draw from the
independent cinema case studies below, in creating something that is unique to
WGC.
UCI Hatfield, The Galleria
The UCI Hatfield has 9 screens with capacities ranging from 165 to 378 and
1998 seats in total. Four screens are digital theatre sound and 6 are dolby
digital sound. Peak time adult ticket prices are £6.80. There is public transport
access by bus from the train station and good car parking. The cinema is
located within the Galleria Outlet Centre, which has a number of High Street
retailers as well as Outlet stores. There are also numerous restaurants
including McDonalds, Burger King, and Deep Pan Pizza.
Stevenage Leisure Park
The Leisure Park is located next to the town centre and train station and a the hub
for the nightlife of the town. It is home to a CineWorld 16 screens / c 3000
capacity multi-screen cinema opened in 1996, a 26 lane Hollywood ten-pin-bowling,
two nightclubs and numerous bars and restaurants including the Exchange Bar
Diner, It's Pizza & Pasta Restaurant, KFC and McDonalds.
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81
8.21
This option is subject to further evaluation in Section 9.
2. Independent cinema led provision
8.22
Key features of this type of provision would
typically include:
Everyman Cinema Club
Facility mix for new sites
Area
Capacity
Sq Ft
Screen 1
180 (100%) 2500
Screen II
120 (66%) 1650
Screen III
90 (50%) 1250
Screen IV
50 (27%) 675 (Optional)
Reception (incl Bar) 300
1500
Lounge I
100
600
Lounge II
70
400
Lounge III
40
200
Lounge IV
40
200 (Optional)
Members Area
100
600
Kitchen
500
Projection
4 Machines
500
Office + Staff
400
Storage
400
Plant & Ancillary
500
Total
c 11875
•
up to 4 screens (see opposite for
facility mix being considered for new
sites by Everyman cinemas)
•
independent operators – City
Screen operates 16 ‘Picture House’
branded cinemas but most likely for
WGC two/ three cinema strong
chains
•
smaller selection of mainstream
Hollywood films as well as world
and independent productions
•
annual customers circa 100,000 plus
•
work well alongside other cultural facility provision and potential for some
supporting branded restaurants and bars
•
do not typically create footfall required for other major commercial leisure
attractions
•
smaller scale car parking required
•
sometimes reliant on product launches, conferences etc to supplement
income and/or low rentals
•
typically standalone developments or part of town centre development
schemes.
8.23
If developed in WGC, it is envisaged that the Campus West cinema market would
transfer to this facility and would then cease as a cinema provider. The impact of this
on the viability of Campus West is explored in Section 9.
8.24
The Campus is considered the preferable site for this form of provision. This is
explored further in Section 9.
8.25
The following case studies review two different types of independent cinema
provision and their key features. Their relative suitability for WGC and the sites under
consideration is considered further in Section 9.
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82
Harbour Lights, Southampton (Independent Cinema Chain)
Overlooking the marina at Ocean Village Harbour Lights Picturehouse was voted Best Loved
Independent Cinema by Empire readers in 2000. The building houses two cinema screens
showing films ranging from mainstream Hollywood films to world and independent productions.
Prices range from £4.80 to £5.80.
Harbour Lights also welcomes conferences and corporate private hires. Excellent technical
facilities, friendly and efficient staff and the building's distinctive design have generated its
reputation as one of Southampton's premier conferencing venues.
Harbour Lights runs regular film studies courses in association with the University of Southampton
featuring screenings of classic films. The cinema is also used regularly by Southampton Institute
to showcase student work, mainly from the photography department. These tie-ins serve to
increase the Harbour Lights user base and levels of activity, and offer a valuable contribution to
education in the Southampton area.
Their educational work aims to develop appreciation and understanding of independent film. City
Screen's commitment to new filmmaking and new filmmakers is reflected in its commitment to, and
support of, the exhibition of short films, and they even employ a dedicated Short Films Coordinator.
A monthly ‘First Run’ showcase is offered, which gives independent producers and directors the
chance to see their short films, animation, features, or music videos shown on the big screen. It is
free for people to have their work shown and entry is also free.
Regular Bollywood screenings now also form an important part of the Harbour Lights programme,
illustrating how the cinema has developed its programming to respond to market demands and to
satisfy different sections of Southampton’s society, rather than catering only to a generic mass
market.
Although opposite a larger, five screen UGC cinema also in Ocean Village, showing more
standard Hollywood titles, Harbour Lights has been able to carve out a valuable niche in the
market and build popularity and success in its own right, with around 95,000 visitors last year.
Advertising is via the local print media and word of mouth, although there are greater marketing
efforts at the national level with mailing and email lists. City Screen, the Harbour Lights operator,
also operate another 16 facilities, with programming set from head office but tailored to each
cinema individually.
Since start-up in 1989, City Screen has become one of Britain's leading independent exhibitors,
operating cinemas branded as Picturehouses. Typically with strong links to university cities
(Oxford, Cambridge, York, London, Brighton, Exeter & Aberdeen), City Screen has taken a leading
place in the arthouse cinema market, and usually provide their cinemas in city centre locations, so
as to provide maximum access to the communities they serve
City Screen prides itself on an offer that is the antithesis of the multiplex. City Screen has a
deserved reputation for challenging and diverse programming in venues that are individually styled
to encourage and enhance film-going. Each Picturehouse strives to be individual and independent
in every instance.
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83
Everyman Cinema Club (City/ town centre independent cinemas)
The Everyman Cinema Club concept has been developed in an historic building in the centre of
Hampstead Village, which has been remodelled to create a fully licensed venue served by the latest
screening technology in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere with the focus on service and
customer comfort, comprising: 2/3 Screening Lounges: 2 Reception Lounges: Reception: Upper
Lounge/Private Screening Room: Screen I Leather Seated Gallery: Offices. There is also a
bespoke F&B menu.
The entire venue is bespoke designed with a handcrafted selection of standard seats, standard
sofas, leather sofas and leather armchairs to elevate the experience way beyond their competitors.
Every effort has been made to create a welcoming yet sophisticated venue that leaves customers
feeling enriched and keen to return time and again.
All areas of the venue are available to hire for cinema screenings: Private functions & Screenings:
Corporate Functions &Screenings: DVD & Digital Screenings: TV & Live Sport Events: Group
Gaming Sessions: Social Meetings: Business Meetings & Presentations: Photo shoots: Interviews
and more.
The cinema programme offers new releases and is complimented by seasons, festivals, special
events, classics and family films. It is wide in it’s appeal but maintains an air of integrity in the
customers’ eyes. This primarily targets an older, more sophisticated, affluent and aspirational
audience (ABC 1 age 25+) which also remaining attractive to the family market with initiatives such
as ‘Scream’, which allows parent and baby screenings and family club, which allow kids screenings
while parents relax in the rest of the venue.
Cinema Club has a natural fit with locations where there is an interest in ‘independent’ operators
maintaining a local community feel. Cinema Club has thrived in Hampstead despite being in very
close proximity to Vue Finchley Road and Odeon Swiss Cottage multiplexes. Their business model
is sufficiently different and offers a very attractive alternative to our target audience. This allows
them to be relaxed about the proximity of future Cinema Clubs in relation to standard multiplex
operators.
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84
SECTION 9
DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS EVALUATION
SECTION 9 – DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS EVALUATION
Development option evaluation
9.1.
Within this section we have evaluated the two key development options identified in
Section 8 against a series of evaluation criteria, as summarised in Table 9.1. These
criteria have been developed to reflect the Council’s project objectives and key
success factors for similar projects around the country.
Table 9.1 Evaluation criteria
Criteria
Fit with Council
objectives
Technical viability - site,
planning, site ownership,
facility mix etc
Market status - market
demand, competition,
strategic role
Lead agency and other
partners
Financial viability - capital
cost, capital funding,
operating position
Management
Procurement
Basis of evaluation
- development options should address identified
leisure and community facility needs/ demand
within WGC
- suitable for development on the Campus (and
specifically Campus East/ Town Centre North)
and/ or Broadwater Road West
- inform the Core Strategy and support delivery of
priorities and promises in the Cultural Strategy,
Community Plan and Corporate Strategy
statement
- focussed around the cultural/ civic core and
support planned regeneration of industrial sites to
the East of the town centre
- site suitability – design of facility fits on site/ good
fit with surrounding development
- facility mix is viable
- good likelihood of planning approval
- site owners support/ likely to support development
proposals
- demand exists for the proposed developments
- market interest in proposed developments
- the proposed development is able to compete
effectively within the marketplace
- strong strategic context for the development
- suitable lead agency/ organisation able to
champion the project
- structures in place to enable partnership working
opportunities to be optimised
- necessary partners supportive
- cross-sector partnership working where possible
- potential capital cost understood
- capital funding options exist – public and private
- potential to operate at surplus or breakeven
- potential for revenue support if required
- long term sustainability
- suitable management option identified
- management option fits with stakeholder
objectives
- viable procurement route available
Page 85
Option 1 – Multipurpose community/ cultural/ health facility
Fit with Council/ other stakeholder objectives
Level of need/ demand in WGC
9.2.
The options identified have been developed to address specific demand identified by
consultees for community, cultural and health facilities as summarised in Section 8.
For example, existing museum provision is too small and is unable to address the
important heritage of WGC and the garden city movement; the PCT is currently
considering reprovision of some of its clinics and GP surgeries and believes a central
high quality facility could potentially improve provision; and multi-faith groups have
confirmed their need for accessible meeting space. However, limited research on the
extent of this demand has been undertaken to date and further investigation is
needed.
Suitable for development sites
9.3.
development of this nature would be the Campus. Key reasons for this are
summarised in the technical viability section below.
Support council strategies and plans
9.4.
There is strong strategic support for museum provision that will address the heritage
of WGC and its importance within the garden city movement and for community
development that will help to foster a ‘sense of community’ and maintain the vitality
and viability of WGC, whilst the PCT is currently considering options for the
relocation of some existing health clinic services as part of ongoing service
improvement plans. The local plan also reinforces that multi-denominational buildings
as the most effective solution for faith group provision.
9.5.
However, the development options identified in this study are still at early concept
development stage and no detailed development work on the individual elements has
yet taken place by relevant stakeholders.
Development of the cultural/ civic core and planned regeneration
9.6.
This development opportunity fits well with the existing cultural and civic provision in
the Campus area of WGC and provides an opportunity to extend this provision in a
co-ordinated manner. It also has the potential to act as a catalyst for development of
retail and wider leisure offer between this site and the town centre.
Technical viability
Site suitability
9.7.
As noted above, there was broad consensus from all of the consultees that the
optimum location for a development of this nature would be the Campus. We concur
with this for the following reasons:
•
adjacent to existing community provision at Campus West and public sector
services at Campus West and Campus East
•
good awareness of the site
Page 86
•
close proximity to retail core, Waitrose, bus station etc, all of which have a
high footfall - this mix of uses is considered to function well on the edge of the
town centre, close to the shopping core and to the bus and railway stations,
allowing linked trips to be made
•
the area between this site and the town centre is considered suitable for
growth of retail offer, restaurants etc
•
there is considered to be sufficient land available, including Council owned
land, to accommodate a development of this nature on the Campus.
However, we would recommend that as part of any feasibility study
undertaken, further consideration be given of the exact footprint and location
of any proposed development.
9.8.
This development is not considered suitable for Broadwater Road West, as this
would lead to a fragmented approach to cultural and civic provision in the town and
minimise the opportunity to generate economies of scale and benefit from crossusage.
9.9.
A key opportunity related to this development option that would need to be explored
is the relationship between this facility on the Campus and the provision at Campus
West. Provision at Campus West currently includes Campus West Theatre/ Cinema,
roller city, the New Maynard Gallery and Campus West library. We believe that the
potential to combine this centre and the facility mix detailed above, either physically
or virtually, need to be considered to ensure that they both operate at optimum
effectiveness.
9.10.
Ways of physically combining these facilities could include:
9.11.
•
developing some or all of the proposed new facilities as an extension to
Campus West – however, the only available site is the car park and loss of
this facility could impact on viability of both existing and new developments
•
replacing some of the existing facilities at Campus West with some of the
proposed development options such as a museum – but the only space which
it is believed could be lost is Roller City, which we do not consider suitable for
the facility development options identified.
Physically combining the facility options identified with existing provision at Campus
West is not therefore considered to be viable at this stage. However, a development
on Campus East could potentially have a ‘virtual link’ to provision at Campus West.
This could involve:
•
joint management and/ or marketing of the two sites
•
high quality signage between the two sites
•
a direct, lit, safe walkway between the two sites
•
upgrading Campus West where required so that both sites provide the same
high quality environment.
Page 87
Viable facility mix
9.12.
The different possible elements of this option, as summarised in Section 8, could
potentially work well together, both in physical development terms and operationally,
with many of the ancillary elements being shared, and there are examples of similar
developments elsewhere in the UK.
Planning approval
9.13.
As noted in Section 3, the Council is keen to see the Campus developed as a mixeduse development (inc leisure, retail, new build residential and offices), to enhance the
sustainability and vitality of the centre.
9.14.
The Council also wishes for this area retained for civic, cultural and community uses.
Therefore, should any existing uses become redundant, the Council would allow
change of use or redevelopment involving a mix of offices, leisure, food & drink,
cultural, community, education and residential uses (Classes A3, B1 (a), C3, D1 and
D2). The only exception to this is the proposed Waitrose food store extension on
Campus East, which is defined as part of the retail core in the adopted District Plan.
See Policy TCR10.
9.15.
We therefore believe that this development option would fit with planning policy for
the Campus site and would have a good likelihood of achieving planning approval if
appropriately designed and implemented.
Site owner support
9.16.
The Campus area contains the main civic, cultural and community buildings and uses
in the town. Council owned sites include the Council Offices, Campus West Theatre
and library complex as well as a number of car parks, which serve the town centre as
a whole, particularly for long stay parking. Whilst Campus West and the Council
offices are likely to stay and some car parking is needed, a large proportion of the car
park area is considered suitable for development.
9.17.
The area also contains Oaklands College, which is looking to sell off the majority of
their site and retain only a small town centre facility, and Welwyn Garden Police
Station which is also likely to relocate in the future.
9.18.
The Council therefore own part of the site available for development, and other land
will also be available. Land purchase costs for any development will therefore be
dependant upon the scale proposed and the suitability of different elements of the
different sites available.
9.19.
The level of support from the other landowners is likely to be dependant upon the
nature of development proposed and the value they can potentially generate.
Market status
9.20.
As noted above, the options identified have been developed to address specific
demand identified by consultees for community, cultural and health facilities as
summarised in Section 8. For example, existing museum provision is too small and is
unable to address the important heritage of WGC and the garden city movement; the
PCT is currently considering options for the relocation of some existing health clinic
services as part of ongoing service improvement plans and believes a central high
quality facility could potentially improve provision; and multi-faith groups have
confirmed their need for accessible meeting space.
Page 88
9.21.
However, further research into the specific level of demand for these facilities is
required, as comprehensive research of all community, health and faith groups did
not form part of this study process.
9.22.
Private sector market interest is not typically relevant for schemes of this nature as
they are not commercial in nature. However, if the development progresses,
commercial sponsorship opportunities should be considered.
9.23.
The form of development proposed would primarily be targeted at local residents and
within WGC there are no other competing developments.
9.24.
As noted above, there is strong strategic support for the form of community/ cultural/
health provision proposed, although as noted above, development options at still at
early concept development stage.
Lead agency and other partners
9.25.
Developments of this nature typically need to be championed by local authorities with
support from key stakeholders such as the PCT and Hertfordshire Museum Services,
recognising that effective partnership working is critical to the success of
developments of this nature.
9.26.
The research and consultation process has raised the awareness and interest in this
development process and if the Council decide to take it forward, we recommend that
a project steering group involving all key stakeholders be formed to oversee the
project.
9.27.
Potential stakeholders and their respective interests in the development can be
summarised as follows:
•
PCT – a current clinic facility may be looking to relocate within the next five
years and the PCT is starting to look at options now. They are also in
discussion with local GPs regarding their accommodation plans. Key benefits
of centralised provision could potentially include:
-
economies of scale
-
enhance the work of the community exercise co-ordinator by providing a
valuable space to host programmes which fit with the national health
agenda such as chronic disease management, enhancing mobility for the
elderly and tackling obesity
-
enhanced footfall in and around such a site means that such a facility
could serve as a useful information/leaflet point and could also potentially
host other services and programmes
-
a town centre location, close to the bus station, will improve accessibility
by public transport.
Page 89
9.28.
•
multi-faith groups – consultation with the Inter-Faith Group of Welwyn Hatfield
Alliance identified the need for multi-faith facility provision, as many group’s
access to suitable facilities is currently very limited. In addition, Herts Renewal
and Family Church currently uses facilities at Oaklands College which may be
lost with the sale of the site and they are seeking alternative facility provision
•
Welwyn Hatfield Museum Service/ Hertfordshire County Council/ EEMLAC
etc – consultation reinforced the need and opportunity for a centre museum/
visitor attraction in WGC covering local history and the garden city movement,
building upon provision at Mill Green and in the Campus West library and the
Council’s extensive library of artefacts, much of which is currently archived.
As noted above, private sector market interest is not typically relevant for schemes of
this nature as they are not commercial. However, if the development progresses, we
recommend that commercial sponsorship opportunities and other forms of crosssector working should be considered.
Financial viability
Capital cost
9.29.
It is not possible to estimate the capital cost of this development option at this stage,
in the absence of an agree facility mix or cost consultant input, but a new build
development of the nature detailed in Section 8 could is likely to cost upwards of
£10million.
Capital funding options
9.30.
Capital funding options for this development include a combination of grant funding
and partner capital contributions. A selection of these options and the element of the
development to which they relate, are summarised in the following table.
Page 90
Table 9.3 Capital funding options
Multi-faith facilities
9
Exhibition area
Café etc
TIC
Meeting Point
Multi-purpose
Health centre
Heritage
Lottery Fund
Museum/ VA
Option
9
Big Lottery
Fund
9
9
Other grant
funding
sources
Council
capital
budget
Council
capital
receipts
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Section 106
from
commercial
leisure
development
9
9
9
9
9
9
PCT central
budgets
PCT capital
receipts
Hertfordshire
CC
EEDA
9
9
9
9
9
9
Multi-faith
groups
EC grant
funding
sources
9
9
9
Key criteria/ summary comments
Current and evolving grant funding programmes
should be subject to further investigation eg
Heritage Grants – which offers grants of £50,000 or
more to projects that conserve and enhance our
diverse heritage or encourage more people to be
involved in their heritage or both. Projects should
also make sure that everyone can learn about, have
access to and enjoy their heritage. Projects can
include nature conservation, historic buildings,
museum collections, archive collections etc.
Current and evolving new capital grant funding
programmes should be investigated further. For
example, the Living Landmarks Schemes closed for
applications in Jan 06 but provided capital and
revenue funding towards community learning,
development and well-being focussed projects and
would have been applicable to this scheme.
Other national, regional and local grant funding
sources, including local charities, trusts etc, should
be investigated.
We understand that capital budgets are currently
very limited but a contribution to any development
will be essential to access partnership funding.
Limited land ownership/ site options restricts
potential to generate capital receipts from sale of the
development sites, or alternative sites, but should
be explored, as should ring fencing potential.
As Council do not own the Broadwater Rd West site,
it is unlikely to generate significant developer
contributions but commercial operators indicated
that they would consider cross funding community/
cultural facility development, through some form of
Section 106 agreement, if required, dependant on
the overall viability of the scheme.
There is believed to be limited funding available.
Limited opportunities as most sites leased from the
Council, or owned privately.
There is strong support from HCC and a capital
contribution should be sought.
As a development that would contribution to the
tourism and economic development of the region,
EEDA funding should be sought.
It is believed that some of the faith groups may be
able to contribute some capital towards a faith group
facility but this will be in return for agreed access
levels.
The potential to access European funding sources
for what could be an exciting and innovative project
should be investigated.
Page 91
Revenue funding options
9.31.
Community/ cultural developments of this nature typically require revenue support
and typically the Council and other key stakeholders would be the primary revenue
funders. Revenue funding options are reviewed in Table 9.4.
Table 9.4 Revenue funding options
Meeting Point
TIC
Exhibition area
Café etc
Multi-purpose rooms
Health centre
Museum/ VA
Ongoing revenue
support from Welwyn
Hatfield Council
9
9
9
9
9
9
Commercial
sponsorship/ support
9
9
9
9
9
Heritage Lottery Fund
9
Option
9
Big Lottery Fund
9
9
Other grant funding
sources
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Council revenue
support
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Hertfordshire CC
9
PCT
9
Council revenue support, as an extension
of existing community and cultural service
subsidies will be essential. Potential to
rationalise provision onto this site could be
considered.
There may be some opportunity to
generate private sector sponsorship/ VIK
support for elements of the services
provided.
Grant funding towards specific
programmes based at the site could be
targeted – relevant programme vary
according to the nature or programmes
implemented.
Grant funding towards specific
programmes based at the site could be
targeted – relevant programme vary
according to the nature of programmes
implemented. For example, the Young
Peoples Fund is for projects for young
people aged 11- 18 and disadvantaged
young people up to the age of 25. Grants
are between £5,000 and £150,000 over a
three-year period. Projects that meet two
or more of the following objectives will be
considered: enjoying good physical and
mental health and living a healthy lifestyle;
being protected from harm and neglect
and growing up able to look after
themselves; getting the most out of life
and developing skills for adulthood; to the
community and to society and not
offending and behaving anti-socially;
overcoming socio-economic
disadvantages to achieve their full
potential in life.
Other national, regional and local grant
funding sources, including local charities,
trusts etc, should be investigated.
Council revenue support is likely to be
essential for the long-term operational
sustainability of a community and culturally
focussed development of this nature.
HCC revenue funding opportunities –
either to meet subsidy requirements or
support specific programmes should be
explored.
PCT revenue funding to support the longterm operational sustainability of the PCT
Page 92
9
9
Exhibition area
Café etc
9
TIC
9
Meeting Point
Multi-purpose rooms
9
Health centre
Earned income
Museum/ VA
Option
9
facilities would be essential if involved in
the scheme.
This will include revenue generating
elements of the scheme including, for
example:
admissions income
café
retail income
sundry income
corporate/ community/ faith group
rental/ hire of meeting rooms,
business receptions and exhibition
space
fund raising
- donations
- sponsorship/ marketing income.
Management
9.32.
Developments of this nature are typically managed by either the Council or a Trust,
with support from key stakeholders such as the PCT in the form of a board or
management committee.
9.33.
Whilst the Council has transferred management of its sport led leisure sites to
Finesse Leisure, Campus West has been retained in-house and is directly managed
by the Council. Council management of any new development, as an extension of
the Campus West operation, is therefore an option. Key benefits of this would include
increased ability to exploit any physical and/ or virtual joint working opportunities and
resultant economies of scale.
9.34.
Trust management may also be an option. A recommendation of this study is that a
review be undertaken of options for the future management of Gosling Sports Park
and Finesse Leisure (including the possibility of a merger) and we would suggest that
management of this facility be considered as part of that review process.
Alternatively, a new trust could also potentially be established to operate this facility.
9.35.
It is believed that either of these management options would fit with the Council’s and
other stakeholders objectives eg community access as well as improved vitality and
viability of WGC.
Page 93
Procurement
9.36.
The procurement of a development of this nature would typically need to be led by
the Council or an appointed trust, with support from other partner agencies as
appropriate and would typically include the following stages:
Option 2 – Commercial leisure
Fit with Council/ other stakeholder objectives
Level of need/ demand in WGC
9.37.
There is broad agreement that the evening economy in WGC in very poor with limited
activity/ entertainment for both young and old, which leads to residents travelling
elsewhere eg St Albans, Hatfield and Stevenage for their leisure activity.
Consequently there is strong support for a leisure park type development as well
town centre based development incorporating a variety of bars, restaurants and
commercial leisure provision. Restaurants, theatres and cinema provision were all
identified across the surveys as being in the top five facilities with demand from local
residents.
9.38.
Both the commercial and independent cinema led leisure development options
detailed in Section 8 are believed to address this need.
Suitable for development sites
9.39.
commercial cinema led leisure development would be Broadwater Road West whilst
the Campus would be suitable for a independent cinema led development. Key
reasons for this are summarised in the technical viability section below.
Page 94
Support council strategies and plans
9.40.
There is recognition by the Council, detailed in its local plan and other strategic
documents, of the poor evening economy and the need for innovative approach to
leisure provision in WGC to address changing demands and expectations.
Development of the cultural/ civic core and planned regeneration
9.41.
The commercial cinema led development option could potentially play a key role in
the regeneration of the Broadwater Road West site, acting as a catalyst for developer
led masterplanning of the overall site.
9.42.
The independent cinema led option represents an opportunity to extend the cultural/
civic core on the Campus, building upon existing cinema club activity and library at
Campus West.
Technical viability
Site suitability
Commercial cinema led development on Broadwater Road West
9.43.
9.44.
Broadwater Road West is considered the preferable site for commercial cinema
leisure development due to:
•
the scale of development (22,000 plus sqft building footprint for the cinema
development plus land for other leisure and wider commercial development)
requires a large site
•
this is a destination attraction attracting both local visitors and those from the
surrounding areas – significant car parking provision is therefore required
(1000 plus) for the various operations, reflecting the high usage levels
•
the high visibility to residents and train users
•
good accessibility from the railway and town centre
•
development could generate sufficient value to interest owners of the sites/
attract developers to undertake mixed use development of the whole site.
It is believed that this development, and typical supporting development, would be
too large to be accommodated on the Campus.
Independent cinema led development on Campus East
9.45.
The Campus is considered the preferable site for independent cinema led leisure
provision due to:
•
fit with other current cultural provision at Campus West – although there is
significant concern that new provision would displace users from Campus
West Cinema, and in turn impact on the viability of the theatre, resulting in
closure
•
small scale appropriate for this site
Page 95
•
close proximity to retail core, Waitrose, bus station etc, all of which have a
high footfall - unlikely to generate sufficient footfall if on Broadwater Road
West site as it is unlikely to have the same destination attraction as
commercial cinema led development
•
good awareness of this site
•
the area between this site and the town centre is considered suitable for
growth of the retail offer, restaurants etc and this scheme could act as a
catalyst – although there is also some concern that this development could
impact on the future viability of commercial leisure on Broadwater Road West
•
part of this site is Council owned so land purchase costs are potentially lower
than on Broadwater Road West, where the value of this form of development
may limit developer interest.
Viable facility mix
9.46.
There are commercial and independent led cinema developments across the UK with
a similar facility mix to the development options identified, which prove the success of
this facility mix. However, key issues impacting on viability include:
•
as previously noted, many cinema operations are not commercially viable in
their own right (they can generate an operational surplus but not repay capital
investment) but are key to many commercial leisure developments as they
result in a high footfall and therefore attract other operators. In light of the
catchment population and other competing facilities in Hatfield and Stevenage
this may apply in WGC. They therefore typically form one element of wider
commercial leisure and mixed-use development sites and the viability of this
wider facility mix is critical
•
as noted in Section 7, these facilities are typically reliant on mixed
programming including product launches, conferences etc to supplement
income and often require low rentals to be sustainable but they can be a
catalyst for wider evening economy development, and are therefore a good
anchor tenant for town centre developments. Competing provision locally
could have a significant impact on the viability of a development of this nature
and therefore it is assumed that Campus West cinema club would need to
close.
Page 96
Planning approval
9.47.
The Council recognise Broadwater Road West as a key area for planned
regeneration using mixed-use development including employment, housing, leisure
and rail-related uses, and this is identified and supported in the Local Plan, although
the area that can released from employment uses will not be known until the current
Employment Land Review for Central Hertfordshire is completed.
9.48.
Other key issues that will need to be taken into account in gaining planning
permission for commercial cinema led development on this site include taking
account of the listed building status of the Cereal Partner silos and the Roche
Products building, as well as the message from consultees that a ‘leisure box’ type
development, in the style of the Stevenage Leisure Park, is not considered
appropriate for WGC.
9.49.
It is believed that whilst there is demand for commercial leisure provision, the design
of any scheme should be sympathetic to the town’s garden city heritage, effectively
creating a medium scale high quality environment, with a superior offer relative to
other competing leisure parks.
9.50.
We believe that an innovative commercial cinema led scheme on the Broadwater
Road West site could address these issues and therefore be in a position to achieve
planning permission, although land owner status for any scheme proposed will be
important (see below) and this is subject to sufficient land area be released following
the Employment Land Review.
9.51.
As noted earlier in this section, the Council is keen to see this site developed as a
mixed-use development (inc leisure, new build residential and office), to enhance the
sustainability and vitality of the centre and to retain civic, cultural and community
uses. Therefore, should any existing uses become redundant, the local plan states
that the council would allow change of use or redevelopment involving a mix of
offices, leisure, food & drink, cultural, community, education and residential uses
(Classes A3, B1 (a), C3, D1 and D2).
9.52.
The local plan also states that design of new developments will be expected to
respect and enhance local distinctiveness and character, whilst allowing for
innovative design and new technology to be used.
9.53.
We believe that an innovative independent cinema led scheme on the Campus that
respects local character would be in a good position to achieve planning permission,
although the potential loss of the theatre could be a material consideration when
considering a planning application for this development.
Site owner support
9.54.
The Broadwater Road West site is currently owned by a number of organisations
including Tesco and Chinacorp, Cereal Partners and Roche Products. The Council
do not own any of the site.
Page 97
9.55.
We are aware that Cereal Partners are currently expecting to vacate the site in 2007
and Roche Products are currently in the process of selling their site. However, we are
unaware of Tesco’s and other landowners plans for the site following the Planning
Inspector’s decision at the local plan enquiry that retail was not appropriate for the
site.
9.56.
It is likely that the level of support from ongoing landowners will be dependant upon
the nature of development proposed and the value they can potentially generate. If
the scheme if not of sufficient value, this may result in land banking.
Independent cinema led development on the Campus
9.57.
As noted earlier in this section, the Campus area contains the main civic, cultural and
community buildings and uses in the town. Council owned sites include the Council
Offices, Campus West Theatre and library complex as well as a number of car parks,
which serve the town centre as a whole, particularly for long stay parking. Whilst
Campus West and the Council offices are likely to stay and some car parking is
needed, a large proportion of the car park area is considered suitable for
development.
9.58.
The sites also contains Oaklands College, which is looking to sell off the majority of
their site and retain only a small town centre facility, and Welwyn Garden Police
Station which may also potentially relocate in the future.
9.59.
The Council therefore own part of the site available for development, and other land
will also be available. Land purchase costs for any development will therefore be
dependant upon the scale proposed and the suitability of different elements of the
different sites available.
9.60.
The level of support from the other landowners is likely to be dependant upon the
nature of development proposed and the value they can potentially generate.
Market status
9.61.
There is strong demand from local residents for mixed commercial leisure to improve
the nighttime economy in WGC including bars, restaurants, cinema etc.
9.62.
As detailed in Section 7, there is also interest from operators in the market. In
particular, Vue Entertainment, the cinema operator currently in discussions with St
Albans District Council and Henry Davidson Developments regarding cinema
development in St Albans, stated that they would be very interested in exploring
opportunities in WGC and anticipated developers will ‘bend over backwards’ for a
mixed commercial leisure development on the Broadwater Road West site.
9.63.
Vue Entertainment stated that they would look for a minimum of seven screens at
any new facility. Indicative footprint for a development in WGC would be 22,00023,000 square feet. They also noted that any development would need to be
structured to avoid a price war with Hatfield.
Page 98
9.64.
9.65.
Of those operators/ developers that are likely to be interested, key issues include:
•
there is a recognised need/ opportunity to develop the evening economy in
WGC. There is strong support from the A3/ licensed premises market (see
later in this section) and it is believed that a cinema would help to stimulate
wider market interest
•
the WGC catchment is considered sufficiently robust to make a mixed use
commercial leisure development viable – but scale and structure needs to be
appropriate for the market to ensure long term sustainability and avoid a price
war with other operators. A medium scale – circa 7/8 screen cinema may be
appropriate in light of competing provision
•
dependant upon the overall scope/ financial viability of the mixed use leisure
development, one operator noted that there may be the potential to achieve
Section 106 agreements for Council led community/ cultural developments in
the town centre. However, the nature of this opportunity would need to be
subject to further consideration, as it will be closely tied to the scope of
development permitted and the potential viability of the commercial elements
•
one cinema operator reinforced that any mixed-use scheme would need to be
developer led, and have sufficient scope/ critical mass to make the cinema
viable. In this scenario, a cinema operator may have a long-term (25 year)
lease with the developer based on the market potential. This could, for
example, be at a set level or a % of turnover, so it is directly linked to the
success/ integrity of the overall mixed use development. Typically, the overall
site and individual buildings would be developed by the developer and the
cinema operator would provide the technical fit out, although funding for this
would be agreed with the developer depending on the financial models used
in each instance.
Reasons some market operators are not interested in this opportunity include:
•
the catchment/local population is too small for their product and therefore
Welwyn Garden City is not a target town – this is likely to be a particular issue
for some of the larger cinema operators
•
there is existing provision in the area that would be competitive – this was a
particular issue for the larger cinema and bowling operators who indicated
that provision in Stevenage and Hatfield would impact upon the market
potential of large scale provision. This could also be problematic for small to
medium size cinema operators if it led to a price war, although it indicated that
it should be possible to manage this
•
internal business development reasons – a number of the cinema operators
have recently merged, as noted above and are consolidating their assets
before progressing additional developments.
9.66.
As noted above, there is strong demand from local residents for mixed commercial
leisure to improve the nighttime economy in WGC including bars, restaurants,
cinema etc.
Page 99
9.67.
Independent cinema operator interest has also been identified. For example, the
Everyman Cinema Club has stated that it would be interested in meeting the Council
to discuss their potential involvement in a town centre scheme. They currently have
one club in Hampstead Village but have a development strategy and were involved in
early discussions with St Albans before they decided to select a commercial
operator. Their offer is commercial in nature and they would consider both rental or
new build development, either standalone or as part of a larger development, and
have indicted that they are interested in considering architecturally exciting schemes.
A case study on Everyman Cinema Clubs is provided in Section 8
9.68.
Key issues to consider if a scheme of this nature is progressed are that whilst a
smaller scale, high quality development of this nature may be more suited to WGC,
would it be accessible to young people and key target groups in the local community
and what level of support would be needed to ensure commercial viability? ie low
rentals or supporting commercial provision. Furthermore, what impact would it have
on the long-term viability of the cinema club and theatre at Campus West? It is
considered likely by consultees that it would have a significant negative impact on the
viability of this facility.
9.69.
The following table illustrates how the WGC market addresses typical commercial
and independent cinema development market criteria.
Table 9.5 Typical cinema requirements
Requirements
WGC
8-10 screen commercial cinema
Catchment of
- WGC has a population of c45,000
45,000 people
- Welwyn Hatfield has a population of c100,000
within 10 minutes
- 10min drivetime (from WGC centre) population is 67,103
and 100,000 within - 15min drivetime (from WGC centre) population is 163,681
20 minutes
- 20min drivetime (from WGC centre) population is 391,309
22,000 sqft plus
- adequate site footprint potentially available, subject to
building footprint
employment requirements on the site
No competing
- no competing provision within 10 minute drivetime
provision
- 2 competing cinemas within 15 minutes drivetime – 9 screen,
2000 capacity UCI cinema in Hatfield and 16 screen, 3000
capacity Cineworld cinema in Stevenage plus 7 screen facility
planned for St Albans
Good public
- on the railway line
transport and
- close to current bus station
private car access
- potential site available for car parking
Extensive car
- site has sufficient space to accommodate necessary level of
parking eg 800provision
1000
4 screen independent cinema
University market
- Hatfield University
Proximity to other
- potential for development of restaurants, bars etc in area
evening economy
between this site and the town centre but limited at present
activity/ high footfall
Good car parking
- car parking provision to be retained on the site for council use
and this could also support this cinema provision as usage
hours are complimentary
Page 100
Restaurants, bars, pubs etc
9.70.
There is also strong market interest from A3 operators and developers with whom we
consulted. They recognise the lack of leisure and licensed premises in WGC and
believe that leisure, restaurants and cafes could transform the town centre and
benefit the local economy and that there would be significant operator interest.
9.71.
Davis Coffer Lyons expressed a particularly strong interest at this early stage. Their
primary interest is in licensed premises, but they work on wider use schemes
incorporating other leisure operators.
Lead agency and other partners
9.72.
A development of this nature would typically be led by a developer who would work
to bring together the various land owners, operators and other key stakeholders.
They could also form partnerships with residential or office developers, as necessary,
as part of a site wide masterplanning process.
9.73.
The role of the Council is to provide a development brief for the site to guide its
development. Inevitably, a development of this nature will require negotiation to
ensure that the objectives of all parties can be balanced. We therefore recommend
consideration of what the Council want out of the scheme before going to the market.
This can then be used as a basis for negotiation at a later stage.
9.74.
For example, it will be necessary to consider:
•
•
9.75.
what the Council wants to achieve:
-
quality of design/ fit with garden city architect
-
need for financial support with community/ cultural facility developments
-
planning restrictions imposed
-
development of both sites/ optimising link between them
-
opportunities for conversion/ re-use of listed buildings.
what the developers want to optimise financial return:
-
scale of supporting development permitted eg housing - it is recognised
that only a relatively small amount of housing may be allowed on this site
and the proportion of the Broadwater Road West site that can be allocated
to non-Class B uses, such as residential, will be known once the
Hertfordshire Employment Land Review has been published. % of
affordable housing will also need to be considered
-
scope of leisure development permitted – for example, will nightclub be
permitted? Hotel development?
By way of example, the St Albans scheme’s developer is Henry Davidson
Developments, who have identified various leisure operators including Vue
Entertainment, and signed a development agreement with the District Council.
Page 101
9.76.
A development of this nature would typically be operator led. They would consider
both rental or capital investment in new build development, either standalone or as
part of a larger development. If new build, the operator is likely to have a developer
partner.
9.77.
As with the commercial cinema led development, the role of the Council is to provide
a development brief for the site to guide its development. Development of this nature
will require negotiation to ensure that the objectives of all parties can be balanced.
We therefore recommend consideration of what the Council want out of the scheme
before going to the market. This can then be used as a basis for negotiation at a later
stage.
Financial viability
Capital cost
9.78.
The capital cost for a commercial or independent cinema led scheme will vary
depending on the scale/ nature of cinema provision proposed and the extent of
supporting development.
Capital funding options
9.79.
Commercial cinema led leisure schemes are typically financed through specialist
Leisure Property Funds or other investors that receive a return on investment as a
result of rental streams from operators on site and other supporting developments eg
residential development.
9.80.
Independent cinema schemes are typically funded through specialist investors/
mortgage arrangements with repayments/ returns on an annual basis.
Revenue funding options
9.81.
Both of the options identified would be self-financing and operate on a commercial
return basis.
9.82.
It should be noted that many large commercial cinema operations are not
commercially viable in their own right (they can generate an operational surplus but
not repay capital investment) but are key to many commercial leisure developments
as they result in a high footfall and therefore attract other operators. In the case of
small schemes, mixed programming and restaurant/ bar offers are key to financial
viability.
Management
9.83.
There are standard approaches to the management of commercial leisure
developments that would apply to these schemes.
9.84.
In the case of the commercial cinema led development, the developer would typically
contract out management of the overall site to a specialist property company and
each of the leisure units/ elements would be managed by their respective operators.
The freehold/ management responsibilities for residential units and office
developments would typically be transferred to suitable specialist companies.
9.85.
In the case of the independent cinema operation, the cinema operator behind the
scheme would manage the scheme.
Page 102
Procurement
9.86.
There are standard approaches to procuring and delivering schemes of this nature.
9.87.
In brief, the typical development process for a scheme of this nature is as follows:
•
commercial developer would work with all of the landowners and other
relevant stakeholders and produce a development proposal for the site(s) in
line with the Council’s planning requirements
•
they submit planning applications and subject to approval appoint a
construction company and bring in operators for the various elements. If
residential was part of the scheme, they would work with a residential
developer
•
they construct the development including units for each of the operators but
the operators would then provide the technical fit out, although funding for this
would be agreed with the developer depending on the financial models used
in each instance
•
the operators will have a long-term (25 year) lease with the developer based
on the market potential. This could be at a set level or a % of turnover, so it is
directly linked to the success/ integrity of the overall mixed use development.
9.88.
The procurement of this scheme would vary according to the nature of the
development ie Council/ developer build with cinema tenant or new build on either
standalone basis or as part of a mixed use development.
Development options evaluation summary
9.89.
As the above options evaluation has demonstrated, both options are, in theory, able
to address the evaluation criteria identified and meet Council or other stakeholder
objectives.
9.90.
The community/ health facility fits well on the Campus East site, could provide a
valuable resource for the town and will help to regenerate the area to the north of the
town centre but Council and other stakeholder capital and revenue funding will be
essential. The level of need and resultant usage also needs to be subject to detailed
analysis to establish the operational viability of the scheme and the level of funding
needed.
9.91.
The cinema led commercial led leisure development option could be developed on
either site dependant upon the nature of provision proposed. Commercial led
provision on Broadwater Road West would help to regenerate the site and
reinvigorate the town centre, whilst independent provision on Campus East would
provide a catalyst for development of the north of the town centre and fit well with the
existing community and civic uses on the site.
Page 103
9.92.
There is market interest for both types of provision, although the viability of these
developments needs to be subject to further investigation in light of the complicated
site ownership issues, competing provision in the surrounding area, and potential
displacements impacts. In particular, it is believed that new independent cinema
provision on the Campus would result in the closure of the Campus West Cinema,
which would in turn have a significant impact on the viability of the Campus West
Live Theatre.
Page 104
SECTION 10
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SECTION 10 – CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary conclusions
10.1.
The primary objective of this review process was to use a robust and objective
research methodology to identify leisure and community facility needs/ demand
within Welwyn Garden City and potential development opportunities to address them,
with the overall aim of informing the development of Supplementary Planning
Documents (SPD) for the future development of the Campus (Campus East and the
area to the north of Welwyn Garden City Town Centre), as well as Broadwater Road
West to the east of the Town Centre.
10.2.
As detailed in Section 2, a comprehensive research methodology was implemented
and a series of development options with different levels of need/ demand were
identified, including:
•
swimming pool
•
interactive water feature
•
health and fitness
•
indoor bowls
•
other indoor sports
•
multipurpose community/ health facility
•
town museum/ cultural facility
•
commercial leisure.
10.3.
An initial appraisal of these options demonstrated that only the multi-purpose
community/ health facility, town centre museum/ cultural facility and commercial
leisure had both clearly identified need and were considered suitable for
development on one of the two sites under consideration, and it was therefore
agreed that these options would be taken forward for further analysis.
10.4.
Based on a exploration of what these opportunities could involve, they were
subsequently combined into the following development opportunities for further
detailed exploration:
10.5.
•
Option 1 - multipurpose community/ health facility
•
Option 2 - commercial leisure:
-
independent cinema led development
-
commercial cinema led commercial leisure development.
A subsequent detailed options evaluation process demonstrated that both options
are, in theory, able to address a series of evaluation criteria based on key success
factors for similar projects around the country and meet Council or other stakeholder
objectives.
Page 105
10.6.
The community/ health facility fits well on the Campus East site, could provide a
valuable resource for the town and will help to regenerate the area to the north of the
town centre but Council and other stakeholder capital and revenue funding will be
essential. The level of need and resultant usage also needs to be subject to detailed
analysis to establish the operational viability of the scheme and the level of funding
needed.
10.7.
The cinema led commercial led leisure development option could potentially be
developed on either site dependant upon the nature of provision proposed.
Commercial led provision on Broadwater Road West would help to regenerate the
site and reinvigorate the town centre, whilst independent provision on Campus East
could provide a catalyst for development of the north of the town centre and fit well
with the existing community and civic uses on the site.
10.8.
There is market interest for both types of provision, although the viability of these
developments needs to be subject to further investigation in light of the complicated
site ownership issues, competing provision in the surrounding area, and potential
displacements impacts. In particular, it is believed that new provision on the Campus
would result in the closure of the Campus West Cinema Club, which would in turn
have a significant impact on the viability of the Campus West Live Theatre.
The way forward
10.9.
Based on the above summary findings and conclusions, our recommendations on the
way forward can be summarised as follows:
Option 1 – multipurpose community/ health facility
10.10. We recommend that a comprehensive feasibility study be undertaken into this
development option to establish, in further detail, the exact need, demand, and
potential viability/ business case for this development and it’s various elements. The
feasibility study should incorporate the following tasks:
•
formation of a project steering group incorporating representatives form each
of the key stakeholder agencies
•
detailed consultation with stakeholder agencies
•
market research with all community groups and faith groups in WGC
incorporating both a survey and a series of focus groups
•
detailed appraisal of existing community, cultural and health facilities across
WGC
•
facility mix options development
•
outline design and costings
•
business planning including usage programming and staffing structure
•
detailed funding, management and procurement options appraisal
•
detailed risk assessment
•
action plans for the way forward.
Page 106
10.11. Subject to the outcomes of the feasibility study supporting this opportunity, the SPD
developed for the Campus should identify it as a potential site for community/ health
facility provision.
Option 2 - commercial leisure
10.12. Based on our study findings we recommend that the SPD identify Broadwater Road
West as a site for commercial cinema led leisure development, with supporting
development opportunities dependant upon the outcomes of the Employment Land
Review for Central Hertfordshire.
10.13. This SPD can then be used as a basis for further consideration with potential
developers/ operators.
10.14. Due to the potential impact of a new Campus based independent cinema on the
future viability of Campus West Theatre, this option has not been recommended for
further investigation at this stage.
General
10.15. With regards to the other options identified in Section 8 and key issues surrounding
their development, we recommend they are also subject to further consideration as
part of wider leisure strategic planning and development processes.
10.16. The key development opportunities identified for further consideration are illustrated
on Figure 10.1 below.
Page 107
Figure 10.1 Development recommendations illustration
?
am
Community/ /
health facility
Supporting
development
Medium scale
commercial cinema
led development
Supporting
development
Please contact Helen Robson or Polly Weston at PMP on 020 7534 3948/ 3932 for any
further information regarding the detail contained within this report.
Page 108
APPENDIX A
STRATEGIC REVIEW – DOCUMENT LIST
APPENDIX A – STRATEGIC REVIEW – DOCUMENT LIST
Strategic Review
The strategic review involved detailed appraisal of the following documents and their
relevance to the leisure and community review process:
•
“Welcome to Welwyn Hatfield:” Welwyn Hatfield Council
•
“Welwyn Hatfield: The Next Five Years - Five Promises,” Welwyn Hatfield
Council
•
Welwyn Hatfield District Plan 2005 Adopted 15th April 2005
•
Appeal Decision: Inquiry Held on 21 April and 20 July 2004 by David Tester
•
Second Proof of Evidence by Paul Everard, July 2004
•
Proof of Evidence (1), Paul Everard - March 2004
•
Sequential Appraisal Supplementary Proof of Evidence, Ruth Gray, Vincent
and Gorbing, July 2004
•
Sequential Appraisal Proof of Evidence, Ruth Gray, Vincent and Gorbing,
March 2004
•
Welwyn Hatfield District Plan Review - Public Local Enquiry May 2003, Proof
of Evidence, Paul Everard.
•
Swimming Provision in Welwyn Hatfield
•
Welwyn Hatfield Swimming Development Proposal: Executive Summary
(March 2003)
•
Welwyn Hatfield Council General BVPI Survey Topline Findings (10/12/2003)
•
Welwyn Hatfield Community Plan Survey, draft report 4/2/04. Research Study
conducted for Welwyn Hatfield Alliance
•
“Enjoy!” - A Cultural Strategy for Hertfordshire, 2002-7
•
Enjoying Life: Making the Most of Living in Welwyn Hatfield“
•
A better life” - the role of culture in the sustainable development of the East of
England. (Living East)
•
Welwyn Hatfield’s Community Plan - August 2004
•
A Strategy for Libraries and Information Services in the East of England EEMLAC, Jan 2005
•
“Collections and Communities”: A Collections Strategy for the East of England
(EEMLAC), Sept 2005
•
A Development Strategy for Museums in the East Of England, EEMLAC,
August 2005
•
The East of England Plan for Sport, Sport England, May 2004
•
Competing at a Higher Level - UH (University of Hatfield Sports), Strategic
Review and Plan 2005/6 - 2008/9.
Page 1
APPENDIX B
LIST OF CONSULTEES/ WORKSHOP ATTENDEES
APPENDIX B – LIST OF CONSULTEES
Consultee
Carol Rigby
Caroline Rawle
Sarah Adamson
John Deans
Julie Massey
Christine Shearman
Catherine Davis
Annie Hawkins
Nic Boyer
Hazel Courtley
George Woodcraft
Paul Jiggens
Mike Barlow
David Shaw
Duncan Kerr
Nick Brooking
Christine Novelli
Nigel Davis
Bertie Everard
Michael Freeman
David Myles
Roy Warren
Christie Tonev
Jim Macrae
Cllr Irene Dean
Mike Speddy
David Ball
Hilary Southall
Liz Hughes
Cllr Ron Wheeler
Mike Poole
Ivor Walker
Graham Edwards
Amy Stevens
Carolyn Wilson
Steve Malusky
Role/ organisation
Head of Museums Service, Welwyn Hatfield Museum Service
Curator, Welwyn Hatfield Museum Service
Arts and Heritage Education and Development Officer,
Welwyn Hatfield Museum Service
Chairman, Friends of Welwyn Hatfield Museums
Museums Development Officer, Hertfordshire County Council
Heritage Services Manager, Hertfordshire County Council
Arts Development Officer, Hertfordshire County Council
Cultural Officer, Hertfordshire County Council
Regional Development Officer – Museums, EEMLAC
Head of Learning and Access, EELAC
Digswell Art Trust
Welwyn & District Local History Society
Finesse Leisure Partnership
Marketing Manager, Finesse Leisure Partnership
Managing Director, Gosling Sports Park
Director of Sport and Recreation, University of Hertfordshire
Chair, Inter-Faith Group of Welwyn Hatfield Alliance
Herts Renewal and Family Church
Welwyn Hatfield Youth Council
Chief Executive, Welwyn Hatfield YMCA
Sport England
Lead Officer, Cultural Consortium
Head of Library Service, Welwyn Garden City
Children & Young People’s Partnership,
Welwyn Hatfield Council
Dean of Students, University of Hertfordshire
InterFaith Group, Cultural Consortium
Living East
Chairman, Local Cultural Consortium
Gosling Indoor Bowls Club
Community Exercise Co-ordinator
Welwyn Hatfield Primary Care Trust
Assistant Director, Intermediate Care and Estates
Assistant Director for Modernisation
Page 1
APPENDIX B – LIST OF CONSULTEES
Welwyn Hatfield Local Cultural Consortium
University of Hertfordshire, Governors Suite, Main Building, College Lane Campus
Wednesday 25th January 2006 at 2.00pm
Present
David Ball, Dean of Students, University of Hertfordshire
Natalie Coke, Partnerships Support Officer, Welwyn Hatfield Council
Cllr Irene Dean, Children & Young People’s Partnership, Welwyn Hatfield Council
Duncan Kerr, Managing Director of Gosling Sports Park
Jim Macrae, Head of Library Service
David Myles, Chief Executive, Welwyn Hatfield YMCA
Carol Rigby, Head of Museum & Heritage Service
David Shaw, Marketing Manager, Finesse Leisure Partnership (on behalf of Mike Barlow)
Cllr Ron Wheeler, Chairman of the LCC
Anita Wood, Senior Projects Officer, Welwyn Hatfield Council
Apologies
Sarah Adamson, Arts and Heritage Development Officer, Welwyn Hatfield Council
Mike Barlow, Managing Director of Finesse Leisure Partnership
Annie Hawkins, Cultural Officer, Hertfordshire County Council
Caroline Rawle, Curator, Mill Green Museum
Judith Sutton, Local Services Manager, Connexions
Christie Tonev, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Welwyn Hatfield Council
The LCC were joined by
Helen Robson, PMP
Polly Weston, PMP
Caroline Bullock, PMP
Sue Tiley, Head of Planning Policy, Welwyn Hatfield Council
Paul Everard, Principal Planner, Welwyn Hatfield Council
Page 2
APPENDIX C
SURVEY ANALYSIS
APPENDIX C - RESIDENTS POSTAL SURVEY
Residents’ postal survey
1.1
A residents postal survey was undertaken in December 2005 and January 2006 to
ensure a statistically representative assessment of local residents views on leisure
and community provision within the area.
1.2
A comprehensive questionnaire was designed and sent to 1100 households using a
database of residents that had agreed to be involved in ongoing research projects.
Survey questions covered issues such as the activity profile of residents, facility
specific feedback, factors restricting use of facilities, facilities used outside Welwyn
Garden City and future provision required.
1.3
A total of 474 were returned, equating to an above average response of 43%, which
was particularly good considering the timing of the survey close to Christmas. Of the
474 respondents, 51% were female and 46% male. The remaining 3% did not
provide a response.
1.4
A significant majority of respondents (90.9%) were White and British. 3.8% did not
specify, whilst 1.9% were White Other, 0.8% White Irish, 0.6% Black Caribbean,
0.6% Asian Indian, 0.4% Asian Other, 0.2% Black British, 0.2% Black African and
0.4% Mixed Other.
1.5
42% of respondents belonged to the 40-59 age category, while 34% were between
60 and 75. 11% were over 75, while 13% of respondents were aged between 25 and
39. Therefore, the limited response from younger people should be noted, when
considering the survey findings.
1.6
A copy of the survey is attached and a tabular summary of the key survey findings is
provided below. Please note that where results do not add up to 100% this is due to
non-responses to some questions. Key issues and comments from the survey have
been extracted and reviewed within Sections 4 to 7 of the study report.
Current leisure and community provision
Q1. How frequently have you taken part in the following leisure, cultural and
community activities during the last 12 months?
Activity
Once Once
a
every 2 –
week 3 weeks
Sports/ recreation activities
22.6%
4.4%
Playing sport
(107)
(21)
19.2%
6.3%
Watching sport
(91)
(30)
25.1%
4.6%
Going to gym/
(119)
(22)
keeping fit
30.4%
15.4%
Going to parks/
(144)
(73)
playgrounds/ open
Museum, cultural and arts activities
0.6%
1.1%
Visiting museums
(3)
(5)
0.6%
3.0%
Going to the
(3)
(14)
theatre
0.4%
1.5%
Visiting art
(2)
(7)
galleries
1.7%
Taking part in local 4.4%
(21)
(8)
arts activities
Once
every
month
Once
every 2-3
months
Once
every 6
months
Once
every 12
months
4.0%
(19)
4.6%
(22)
2.1%
(10)
13.3%
(63)
4.6%
(22)
5.9%
(28)
3.0%
(14)
13.7%
(65)
2.1%
(10)
4.6%
(22)
1.7%
(8)
5.7%
(27)
2.7%
(13)
5.5%
(26)
2.5%
(12)
4.2%
(20)
45.8%
(217)
38.0%
(180)
47.3%
(224)
8.6%
(41)
5.3%
(25)
9.3%
(44)
5.3%
(25)
2.3%
(11)
12.7%
(60)
21.3%
(101)
9.9%
(47)
4.9%
(23)
18.6%
(88)
19.4%
(92)
12.7%
(60)
6.1%
(29)
23.0%
(109)
17.7%
(84)
15.8%
(75)
8.2%
(39)
28.5%
(109)
19.6%
(93)
42.8%
(203)
59.5%
(282)
Never
Page 1
Continued…
Activity
Once
a
week
Community activities
7.4
Taking part in
(35)
evening classes
15.0%
Taking part in
(71)
organised
religious activities
11.4%
Visiting libraries
(54)
Commercial leisure activities
3.2%
Going to the
(15)
cinema
0.6%
Going to music
(3)
concerts/ events
0.0%
10 pin bowling
(0)
0.6%
Going to
(3)
nightclubs/ discos
19.2%
Going to bars and
(91)
pubs
13.5%
Eating out at
(64)
restaurants
Once
every 2 –
3 weeks
Once
every
month
Once
every 2-3
months
Once
every 6
months
Once
every 12
months
Never
0.8%
(4)
2.5%
(12)
1.3%
(6)
2.5%
(12)
1.5%
(7)
3.4%
(16)
1.7%
(8)
4.9%
(23)
6.8%
(32)
6.8%
(32)
66.5%
(315)
52.7%
(250)
16.2%
(77)
14.1%
(67)
14.1%
(67)
9.9%
(47)
6.1%
(29)
19.2%
(91)
6.5%
(31)
1.5%
(7)
0.4%
(2)
0.8%
(4)
12.4%
(59)
19.6%
(93)
18.8%
(89)
7.6%
(36)
0.2%
(1)
2.7%
(13)
10.3%
(49)
25.1%
(119)
27.8%
(132)
18.8%
(89)
7.4%
(35)
2.5%
(12)
14.8%
(70)
19.0%
(90)
12.9%
(61)
15.4%
(73)
8.2%
(39)
2.7%
(13)
7.6%
(36)
6.8%
(32)
10.3%
(49)
17.3%
(82)
19.2%
(91)
6.1%
(29)
5.3%
(25)
3.4%
(16)
15.2%
(72)
27.8%
(132)
51.9%
(246)
70.9%
(336)
21.5%
(102)
4.6%
(22)
Q2. Thinking about the Welwyn Garden City area, please rate leisure and
community facilities/ activities in terms of the following factors.
Attribute
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
The range of facilities &
activities provided
3.6%
(17)
23.6%
(112)
36.7%
(174)
20.0%
(95)
4.4%
(21)
7.2%
(34)
The quality of facilities &
activities provided
3.2%
(15)
24.5%
(116)
47.3%
(224)
8.4%
(40)
2.3%
(11)
9.7%
(46)
Ease of access
5.1%
(24)
0.2%
(1)
3.6%
(17)
26.2%
(124)
15.0%
(71)
24.1%
(114)
38.6%
(183)
50.8%
(241)
34.6%
(164)
9.7%
(46)
10.5%
(50)
21.1%
(100)
7.8%
(37)
5.3%
(25)
4.4%
(21)
7.4%
(35)
13.1%
(62)
7.4%
(35)
0.8%
(4)
16.0%
(76)
36.5%
(173)
17.9%
(85)
7.0%
(33)
13.5%
(64)
Prices charged
The information
available telling you
what is going on
The availability of
activities for people of
all ages
Poor
Very
poor
Don’t
know
Page 2
Q3. For each of the facilities/ services that you have used within the last 12
months please tell us how you would rate them in terms of quality.
Facility
Excellent
Good
Sports/ recreation facilities
5.9%
24.5%
Gosling Park
(28)
(116)
1.1%
5.1%
Hatfield Leisure
(5)
(24)
Centre
1.7%
12.0%
Hatfield Swim
(8)
(57)
Centre
0.8%
1.7%
Reflex Health &
(4)
(8)
Fitness Suite
4.0%
14.3%
Panshanger Golf
(19)
(68)
Complex & Squash
Courts
0.6%
5.7%
King George V
(3)
(27)
Playing Fields
6.3%
10.8%
University of Herts
(30)
(51)
Sports Village
2.3%
28.1%
Parks/
(11)
(133)
playgrounds/ open
spaces
3.4%
31.6%
Stanborough Park
(16)
(150)
4.4%
2.5%
Next Generation
(21)
(12)
Museum, cultural and arts facilities
2.1%
12.9%
Campus West –
(10)
(61)
New Maynard
Gallery/ DFR
Gallery
4.6%
20.0%
Campus West –
(22)
(95)
Live Theatre
8.9%
16.9%
Barn Theatre
(42)
(80)
1.1%
4.6%
University of Herts
(5)
(22)
Theatre
6.8%
24.9%
Mill Green Museum
(32)
(118)
& Mill
4.2%
23.0%
Welwyn Roman
(20)
(109)
Baths
13.3%
37.8%
Campus West
(63)
(179)
Library
0.2%
3.4%
Woodhall
(1)
(16)
Community Centre
0.6%
4.0%
Jim McDonald
(3)
(19)
Centre
0.8%
2.7%
Douglas Tilbe
(4)
(13)
House, Hall Grove
Commercial leisure
4.6%
30.0%
UCI Cinema
(22)
(142)
Hatfield
11.2%
27.6%
Campus West
(53)
(131)
Cinema
1.5%
10.5%
Campus West
(7)
(50)
Roller City
Satisfactory
Poor
Very
Poor
Don’t
know
16.9%
(80)
7.8%
(37)
13.1%
(62)
3.0%
(14)
5.9%
(28)
2.1%
(10)
1.9%
(9)
6.1%
(29)
0.0%
(0)
0.8%
(4)
0.4%
(2)
0.6%
(3)
1.3%
(6)
0.4%
(2)
0.2%
(1)
30.6%
(145)
53.2%
(252)
40.3%
(191)
62.0%
(294)
46.4%
(220)
15.2%
(72)
1.5%
(7)
32.5%
(154)
6.3%
(30)
0.2%
(1)
6.8%
(32)
2.7%
(13)
0.2%
(1)
2.1%
(10)
41.8%
(198)
50.2%
(238)
14.1%
(67)
27.6%
(131)
0.8%
(4)
8.6%
(41)
0.2%
(1)
1.9%
(9)
0.4%
(2)
13.1%
(62)
60.1%
(285)
8.0%
(38)
0.2%
(1)
0.2%
(1)
50.6%
(240)
11.2%
(53)
8.0%
(38)
2.7%
(13)
11.8%
(56)
9.9%
(47)
1.9%
(9)
0.4%
(2)
0.0%
(0)
1.3%
(6)
2.5%
(12)
0.4%
(2)
0.2%
(1)
0.2%
(1)
0.6%
(3)
0.6%
(3)
39.2%
(186)
42.6%
(202)
61.0%
(289)
32.5%
(154)
32.7%
(155)
15.6%
(74)
4.9%
(23)
2.3%
(11)
4.0%
(19)
1.5%
(7)
4.0%
(19)
0.2%
(1)
0.4%
(2)
0.2%
(1)
1.5%
(7)
0.6%
(3)
0.6%
(3)
19.4%
(92)
55.5%
(263)
61.4%
(291)
59.9%
(284)
22.4%
(106)
15.6%
(74)
8.4%
(40)
3.8%
(18)
2.5%
(12)
1.1%
(5)
0.8%
(4)
0.2%
(1)
0.6%
(3)
20.0%
(95)
25.7%
(122)
48.1%
(228)
Page 3
1.7
Frequent reasons for identifying facilities/ services as poor included:
-
Hatfield swimming centre dirty
King George V playing fields unsafe
facilities need updating
not enough playgrounds
Stanborough Park run down and old
broken glass and vandalism.
Page 4
Q4. Do any of the following factors stop you from using leisure and community facilities/ services in Welwyn Garden City more often?
Lack of time
Lack of interest
Too far from home
Public transport not available
Car access/ car parking
Close to busy road/ railw ay
Facilities/ activities are too heavily ued
Local facilities are not good enough
Can't go due to illness or disability
Feels unsafe
Too expensive
Facilities too small
Lack of facilities/ activities
Unsuitable opening hours
Poor information
No childcare/ creche
Poor quality service
Fear of personal safety
0
10
20
Percentage of respondents
30
40
Use leisure & community facilities/ services
elsew here instead
I am not allow ed
Public transport costs
Inconvenient public transport
Page 5
1.8
Other factors identified included:
-
lack of choice
age
no swimming pool.
Q5. Aside from Welwyn Garden City, do you visit other local towns to access any of
the leisure/ community facilities and activities?
Facility type
Sport (participation)
Town
Hatfield, St Albans ,
Stevenage
Facility Name
Hatfield Swimming Centre
University of Hertfordshire
Gym/ fitness facility
Hatfield, Knebworth,
London, Stevenage
Potters Bar
Next Generation, Hatfield
Odyssey, Knebworth
Stevenage Leisure Centre
David Lloyd, Stevenage
Museums & Galleries
London, Stevenage
St Alban
London Art Galleries
Stevenage Gordon Craig Gallery
Brit Museum
Organised Religious activities
Knebworth, London
Luton, St Albans
Hertford, Knebworth
London, Potters Bar
Stevenage, Watford
Harpenden
Parks/ playgrounds/ open
spaces
Theatre
London, Potters Bar
Stevenage, St Albans
Hatfield
Cinema
St Albans, Hatfield
London, Stevenage
Music concerts/ events
London, Stevenage
Hatfield, , Hertford
St Albans, Knebworth
Potters Bar, Hitchin
Nightclubs
Hertford, London
Stevenage, St Albans
Pubs & Bars
Hatfield, Hertford,
Lemsford, London
Potters Bar, St Albans
Stevenage, Tewin
Whesthamstead
Bedford, Harpenden,
Harfield, Hertford
London, Old Welwyn,
Potters Bar, St Albans
Stevenage
Restaurants
Hartham Common, Hertford
Colney Heath, St Albans
Hatfield House Grounds
Knebworth House Grounds
Mardley Heath
Fairlands Park, Stevenage
Welham Green
Abbey Theatre, St Albans
Gordon Craig, Stevenage
London West End
Wyllots Centre, Potters Bar
Stevenage Leisure Centre
Galleria, Hatfield
UCI, Stevenage
London Cinema’s
Albert Hall, London
Gordon Craig, Stevenage
Hatfield University
Hitchin Folk Club
Castle Hall
Page 6
Q6. Do you feel there is ENOUGH or NOT ENOUGH provision of the following leisure
and community facilities/ services in Welwyn Garden City? Please state reasons for
answer/
Facility
Sport
(participation)
Reasons
Gym/ fitness
facility
Reasons
Museums &
galleries
Reasons
Organised
religious
activities
Reasons
Parks/
playgrounds/
open spaces
Reasons
Theatre
Reasons
More than
enough
About
Nearly
right/
enough
enough
4.9%
30.0%
11.0%
(23)
(142)
(52)
Swimming pool is needed
Disabled facilities poor
Gosling caters for most activities
Hard to book tennis courts
9.7%
29.1%
6.8%
(46)
(138)
(32)
Gosling is more than adequate
Lack of swimming facility
Little choice
Not enough at affordable prices
Pensioners
Too many private, expensive clubs
1.1%
29.1%
11.2%
(5)
(138)
(53)
Could do with more
No galleries
Enough for size of area
Good culture balance
London is so close, none needed
Mill Green covers most of the area
Only Mill Green
5.9%
24.3%
3.2%
(28)
(115)
(15)
Good choice in Welwyn Garden City
Not enough information publicity
Nothing for Buddhists
3.4%
43.5%
10.1/5
(16)
(206)
(48)
Not
enough
No
opinion
12.4%
(59)
27.8%
(132)
11.4%
(54)
28.9%
(137)
18.1%
(86)
24.5%
(116)
1.7%
(8)
48.3%
(229)
12.4%
(59)
15.4%
(73)
A good variety spaced around town
Badly maintained
Beautiful Stanborough Lakes
Could do with more lakes
Good provision, but more always welcome
Lots of walking areas
Must remember council tax cost of maintenance
0.8%
35.9%
10.3%
12.0%
(4)
(170)
(49)
(57)
Barn and Campus West cater ideally
Competing with London
Enough for size of town
More live theatre at Campus needed
Not enough information given out
Shame the forum in Hatfield closed
23.2%
(110)
Page 7
Continued…
Facility
Cinema
Reasons
Music
concerts/
events
Reasons
Nightclubs
Reasons
Pubs & bars
Reasons
Restaurants
Reasons
More than
enough
About
Nearly
right/
enough
enough
1.5%
40.1%
9.3%
(7)
(190)
(44)
Campus West nice, but not big enough
Could do with a large multiscreen
Good facilities at UCI
No cinema in Welwyn Garden City
1.1%
19.8%
9.3%
(5)
(94)
(44)
Not
enough
No
opinion
18.8%
(89)
14.8%
(70)
21.5%
(102)
30.4%
(144)
Campus West Could be used more for concerts
Stanborough Park could be used more
More live music needed
Not enough venues
Some good productions at barn and campus
6.1%
8.2%
1.7%
10.1%
(29)
(39)
(8)
(48)
Closure of most clubs has driven people to Stevenage
Not appropriate for the town
The less the better
13.7%
26.4%
6.3%
12.0%
(65)
(125)
(30)
(57)
Could do with more smarter establishments
Pubs are everywhere, but nice ones are few
Meets local requirements
More of a good quality needed
6.5%
28.5%
12.7%
26.2%
(31)
(135)
(60)
(124)
Not enough good quality restaurants
Not much variety
Not sufficient choice of good food
Too many fast food outlets
53.0%
(251)
24.7%
(117)
11.8%
(56)
Page 8
Q7. If new leisure and community facilities and services were to be developed
in Welwyn Garden City town centre and/or Broadwater Road West, which of the
following would you be likely to use?
Restaurants
Pubs & Bars
Nightclubs
Indoor Bow ls
Ten Pin Bow ling
Cinema
Theatre
Response
Meeting places for young people
Parks/ playgrounds/ open spaces
Other museums
Museum of Garden Cities
Gyms/ fitness facilities
Outdoor sports facilities
Indoor sports facilities
0
1.9
10
20
30
40
50
60
Other facilities identified included:
-
Indoor swimming pool
Astro-turf hockey pitch
Live music venue.
Q8. If these facilities/ services were available in Welwyn Garden City, would
you still use similar facilities in other local towns?
1.10
Yes – 35.7%
No – 37.3%
Don’t know – 19.6%
Reasons states included:
-
choice, reputation, previous experiences
dependant on quality of new amenities
depends on location and quality of service
occasionally, for a change of scenery
variety is good.
Page 9
Q9. Of the facilities listed in Q7, which THREE would you consider to be a
priority for development in WGC?
1.11
The most popular response, identified by 50 respondents, was ‘swimming pool’.
Q10. Other suggestions/ comments summary
1.12
Other suggestions/ comments on how leisure and community facilities in Welwyn
Garden City could be improved, included:
-
provide a new swimming pool (37 responses)
-
provide activities for young people (23 responses)
-
better variety of restaurants (9 responses)
-
address personal security concerns in the town/at existing facilities (8 responses)
-
improved public transport to existing facilities (8 responses)
-
improve parks/playgrounds/open spaces (8 responses)
-
provide a multiplex cinema (5 responses)
-
build on WGC's unique garden city heritage (4 responses)
-
better marketing for existing events and facilities (4 responses).
Page 10
APPENDIX C – USER/ DROP IN SESSION SURVEY
User/ drop-in session survey
1.1
To ensure that we obtained the informed views of current users of leisure and
community facilities and services, 750 questionnaires (of the same design as the
residents postal survey), were distributed in December 2005 and January 2006 at
key sites across the town including Campus West, Gosling Sports Centre, Mill Green
Museum, Woodhall Community Centre, Douglas Tilbe House, Stanborough Park and
Panshanger Golf Course. A further 250 copies were also distributed at the two dropin sessions held at the Howard Centre and all surveys had freepost return envelopes
attached to encourage a high response rate.
1.2
From the 1000 surveys issued, 212 were returned, equating to a response rate of
21%, which was particularly good considering the timing of the survey close to
Christmas. Of the 212 respondents, 45% were female, with 50% male. The
remaining 5% did not provide a response.
1.3
A significant majority of respondents, 91.5%, were White and British with 1.4% White
Other, 0.9% Asian British, 0.9% not specified and 0.5% each from Black British,
Mixed Other and Chinese categories.
1.4
11% of respondents were aged under 25, while a further 16% were from the 25-39
age group. 25% belonged to the 40-59 age group while 48% were over 60.
1.5
Q1. How frequently have you taken part in the following leisure, cultural and
community activities during the last 12 months?
Activity
Once Once
Once
a
every 2 –
every
week 3 weeks
month
53.8%
7.1%
2.4%
Playing sport
(114)
(15)
(5)
28.8%
9.4%
3.3%
Watching
(61)
(20)
(7)
sport
32.1%
5.2%
2.8%
Going to gym/
(69)
(11)
(6)
keeping fit
25%
15.1%
17.9%
Going to
(53)
(32)
(38)
parks/
playgrounds
3.3%
1.9%
4.7%
Visiting
(7)
(4)
(10)
museums
2.4%
4.2%
11.3%
Going to the
(5)
(9)
(24)
theatre
Visiting art
galleries
Taking part in
local arts
activities
0%
(0)
4.2%
(9)
2.8%
(6)
2.4%
(5)
Once
every 2-3
months
Once
every 6
months
Once
every 12
months
5.2%
(11)
3.8%
(8)
3.8%
(8)
14.2%
(30)
1.9%
(4)
5.7%
(12)
0.9%
(2)
6.1%
(13)
2.4%
(5)
6.6%
(14)
2.4%
(5)
4.2%
(9)
17%
(36)
23.1%
(49)
35.8%
(76)
3.8%
(8)
14.6%
(31)
22.2%
(47)
14.6%
(31)
13.7%
(29)
26.9%
(57)
18.4%
(39)
16.5%
(35)
17.9%
(38)
10.8%
(23)
4.7%
(10)
11.8%
(25)
6.6%
(14)
19.3%
(41)
4.7%
(10)
32.1%
(68)
54.7%
(10)
5.7%
(12)
2.8%
(6)
Never
Page 1
Continued…
Activity
Once Once
a
every 2 –
week 3 weeks
11.8%
0.9%
Taking part in
(25)
(2)
evening
classes
12.3%
2.4%
Taking part in
(26)
(5)
organised
religious
activities
17.9%
17%
Visiting
(38)
(36)
libraries
3.3%
10.8%
Going to the
(7)
(23)
cinema
1.9%
2.4%
Going to
(4)
(5)
music
concerts/
events
2.4%
0%
10 pin bowling
(5)
(0)
4.2%
2.8%
Going to
(9)
(6)
nightclubs/
discos
20.3%
9%
Going to bars
(43)
(19)
and pubs
10.8%
26.9%
Eating out at
(23)
(57)
restaurants
Once
every
month
Once
every 2-3
months
Once
every 6
months
Once
every 12
months
Never
0.9%
(2)
1.4%
(3)
1.9%
(4)
5.7%
(12)
57.5%
(122)
1.4%
(3)
0.9%
(2)
4.7%
(10)
6.1%
(13)
56.6%
(120)
11.8%
(25)
11.3%
(24)
4.7%
(10)
8.5%
(18)
15.1%
(32)
13.2%
(28)
6.1%
(13)
29.7%
(63)
23.1%
(49)
10.8%
(23)
14.2%
(30)
10.8%
(23)
21.2%
(45)
10.8%
(23)
16%
(34)
2.8%
(6)
3.8%
(8)
4.7%
(10)
3.3%
(7)
10.4%
(22)
1.4%
(3)
16.5%
(35)
7.1%
(15)
44.3%
(94)
59.9%
(127)
11.3%
(24)
26.9%
(57)
17.9%
(38)
17.5%
(37)
5.7%
(12)
5.7%
(12)
5.2%
(11)
2.4%
(5)
17.9%
(38)
2.4%
(5)
Q2. Thinking about the Welwyn Garden City area, please rate leisure and
community facilities/ activities in terms of the following factors.
Factor
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
The range of facilities
& activities provided
2.8%
(6)
18.4%
(36)
35.4%
(75)
24.3%
(52)
9.9%
(21)
2.4%
(5)
The quality of facilities
& activities provided
1.4%
(3)
25.9%
(55)
39.6%
(84)
12.7%
(27)
5.2%
(11)
3.8%
(8)
Ease of access
3.8%
(8)
0.9%
(2)
0.9%
(2)
25.9%
(55)
14.2%
(30)
21.2%
(45)
34%
(72)
56.6%
(120)
36.8%
(78)
15.6%
(33)
10.4%
(22)
16%
(34)
8.5%
(18)
3.3%
(7)
10.4%
(22)
4.7%
(10)
7.1%
(15)
3.8%
(8)
2.8%
(6)
13.7%
(29)
22.2%
(47)
24.1%
(51)
17%
(36)
8%
(17)
Prices charged
The information
available telling you
what is going on
The availability of
activities for people of
all ages
Poor
Very
poor
Don’t
know
Page 2
Q3. For each of the facilities/ services that you have used within the last 12
months please tell us how you would rate them in terms of quality.
Facility
Excellent
Good
11.8%
29.7%
Gosling Park
(25)
(63)
1.4%
7.5%
Hatfield Leisure
(3)
(16)
Centre
4.7%
11.8%
Hatfield Swim
(10)
(25)
Centre
0.9%
2.8% (6)
Reflex Health &
(2)
Fitness Suite
4.7%
13.7%
Panshanger Golf
(10)
(29)
Complex & Squash
Courts
2.8%
13.7%
King George V
(6)
(39)
Playing Fields
10.8%
8.5%
University of Herts
(23)
(18)
Sports Village
3.3%
26.4%
Parks/
(7)
(56)
playgrounds/ open
spaces
8.5%
32.1%
Stanborough Park
(18)
(68)
5.7%
2.8%
Next Generation
(12)
(6)
4.2%
12.3%
Campus West –
(9)
(26)
New Maynard
Gallery/ DFR
Gallery
6.1%
20.3%
Campus West –
(13)
(43)
Live Theatre
8%
22.6%
Barn Theatre
(17)
(48)
2.4%
6.6%
University of Herts
(5)
(14)
Theatre
9%
29.7%
Mill Green Museum
(19)
(63)
& Mill
7.1%
24.1%
Welwyn Roman
(15)
(51)
Baths
15.1
38.2
Campus West
(32)
(81)
Library
0
8.5
Woodhall
(0)
(18)
Community Centre
1.4
4.2
Jim McDonald
(3)
(9)
Centre
1.4
3.3
Douglas Tilbe
(3)
(7)
House, Hall Grove
Commercial leisure facilities
5.7%
33.5%
UCI Cinema
(12)
(71)
Hatfield
9.4%
29.7%
Campus West
(20)
(63)
Cinema
5.2%
9.4%
Campus West
(11)
(20)
Roller City
Satisfactory
Poor
Very
Poor
Don’t
know
20.8%
(44)
7.5%
(16)
14.2%
(30)
1.4%
(3)
9%
(19)
8.5%
(18)
4.2%
(9)
8%
(17)
0.5%
(1)
1.9%
(4)
7.1%
(15)
0.5%
(1)
1.4%
(3)
0.5%
(1)
0%
(0)
12.7%
(27)
50.5%
(107)
35.8%
(76)
60.8%
(129)
46.7%
(99)
16.5%
(35)
4.2%
(9)
31.6%
(67)
8.5%
(18)
0%
(0)
13.7%
(29)
1.9%
(4)
0.5%
(1)
1.9%
(4)
35.8%
(76)
46.7%
(99)
9.4%
(20)
28.3%
(60)
2.4%
(5)
9%
(19)
0.9%
(2)
2.4%
(5)
0.9%
(2)
7.5%
(16)
58%
(123)
13.7%
(29)
0.9%
(2)
0.5%
(1)
44.3%
(94)
11.3%
(24)
5.2%
(11)
2.4%
(5)
10.4%
(22)
11.8%
(25)
2.8%
(6)
1.4%
(3)
0.5%
(1)
0.9%
(2)
1.4%
(3)
0.9%
(2)
0.5%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
37.7%
(80)
39.6%
(84)
59.9%
(127)
26.4%
(56)
33%
(70)
12.3
(26)
6.1
(13)
3.8
(8)
3.3
(7)
2.4
(5)
1.4
(3)
0.9
(2)
0.9
(2)
0.5
(1)
1.4
(3)
0
(0)
0.5
(1)
17.5
(37)
53.3
(113)
59.9
(127)
61.3
(130)
22.2%
(47)
13.2%
(28)
8.5%
(18)
6.1%
(13)
3.3%
(7)
0.9%
(2)
0.9%
(2)
1.9%
(4)
0%
(0)
17%
(36)
24.5%
(52)
47.2%
(100)
Page 3
Q4. Do any of the following factors stop you from using leisure and community
facilities/ services in Welwyn Garden City more often?
Inconvenient public transport times
Public transport cost
I am not allowed
elsewhere instead
No childcare/ creche
Poor information
% of Respondants
Lack of local facilities/ activities
Too expensive
Feels unsafe
Local facilities are not good quality
Facilities/ activities are too heavily used/ booked up
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Close to busy road/ railway
Q5. Aside from Welwyn Garden City, do you visit other local towns to access leisure/
community facilities and activities?
Sport/
recreation
Arts/
Culture/
Museum
Community
Commercial
Leisure
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hatfield swim centre
Grafham Water Sailing Facility
Stevage Borough Football Club
Indoor bowling facility, Hitchin, Hatfield & Harpendon
London galleries/ museums / West End
Gordon Craig Art Gallery, Stevenage
Abbey Theatre, St Albans
Wyllots Centre, Potters Bar
Museums/ art galleries, Hertford and Stevenage
Libraries, Stevenage
London cinemas, music venues, nightclubs and restaurants
Cineworld, UCI & Leisureword, Stevenage
Univesity of Hertfordshire (music concerts/ events)
Galleria & Bingo Hall, Hatfield
Page 4
Q6. Do you feel there is enough or not enough provision of the following leisure
and community facilities/ services in Welwyn Garden City?”
Facility
Sport
(participation)
Gym/ fitness
facility
Museums &
galleries
Organised
religious
activities
Parks/
playgrounds/
open spaces
Theatre
Cinema
Music
concerts/
events
Nightclubs
Pubs & bars
Restaurants
More
than
enough
1.9%
(4)
17%
(36)
1.9%
(4)
5.7%
(12)
About right/
enough
Nearly
enough
Not enough
No opinion
25%
(53)
26.4%
(56)
20.8%
(44)
18.9%
(40)
12.3%
(26)
6.1%
(13)
12.3%
(26)
0.5%
(1)
31.1%
(66)
11.3%
(24)
17.5%
(37)
2.8%
(6)
13.7%
(29)
19.8%
(42)
25.9%
(55)
49.5%
(105)
1.4%
(3)
42.5%
(90)
16%
(34)
12.7%
(27)
8.5%
(18)
0.9%
(2)
2.4%
(5)
1.9%
(4)
32.1%
(68)
30.7%
(65)
14.6%
(31)
9.9%
(21)
10.8%
(23)
9.4%
(20)
11.8%
(25)
25.5%
(54)
22.6%
(48)
23.1%
(49)
11.3%
(24)
26.4%
(56)
5.7%
(12)
9%
(19)
7.5%
(16)
7.1%
(15)
23.6%
(50)
24.5%
(52)
1.9%
(4)
9.9%
(21)
14.2%
(30)
16%
(34)
14.6%
(21)
25%
(53)
45.3%
(96)
23.6%
(31)
11.3%
(24)
Page 5
Q7. If new leisure and community facilities and services were to be developed in
Welwyn Garden City town centre and/or Broadwater Road West, which of the
following would you be likely to use?”
Restaurants
Pubs & bars
Nightclubs
Indoor bowls
Ten-pin bowling
Cinema
Theatre
Meeting places for young people
Other museums
% of Respondents
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
8. If these facilities/ service were available in WGC, would you still use similar
facilities in other local towns?
•
Yes – 29.2%
•
No – 48.1%
•
Don’t know – 15.6%
Q9. Of the facilities listed in Q7, which THREE would you consider to be a
priority for development in WGC?
1.6
The most popular response, identified by 32 respondents, was ‘swimming pool’.
Q10. Other suggestions/ comments summary
1.7
Other suggestions/ comments on how leisure and community facilities in Welwyn
Garden City could be improved, included:
-
provide a new swimming pool (147 responses)
reinstate the indoor bowls facility (47 responses)
provide a better choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs (16 responses)
provide more/improved facilities for young people (14 responses)
improve the existing cinema/provide a new multiplex cinema (11 responses)
provide a Museum of Garden Cities (10 responses)
provide a theatre (9 responses)
improve existing parks/playgrounds/open spaces (8 responses)
provide a 10 pin bowling facility (8 responses).
Page 6
APPENDIX C – SCHOOL INTERNET SURVEY
School internet survey
1.1
An internet based young people’s survey, which was a simplified version of the
resident’s postal survey, was developed for administration during lessons at all local
secondary schools in the run up to Christmas 2005.
1.2
Unfortunately, due to the closure of schools following the Buncefield oil explosion,
this survey was disrupted, and, despite repeated communications with local schools,
they were not able to finalise in January. A limited response of only 147 surveys from
Stanborough School and Chancellors School was therefore achieved.
1.3
19% of respondents to the school internet survey were female, with 78% male. The
remaining 3% did not provide a response. The ages of survey respondents ranged
from 11 to 15 years. It should be noted that Chancellors School is some distance
from Welwyn Garden City.
1.4
Q4. During the last year, how often have you undertaken the following
activities?
Activity
Once Once
a
every 2 –
week 3 weeks
81.4%
8.6%
Playing sport
(114)
(12)
46.4%
15.7%
Watching
(65)
(22)
sport
27.9%
15.0%
Going to gym/
(39)
(21)
keeping fit
52.9%
18.6%
Going to
(74)
(26)
parks/
playgrounds/
open spaces
5.7%
4.3%
Visiting
(8)
(6)
museums
12.9%
8.6%
Going to the
(18)
(12)
theatre
5.0%
3.6%
Visiting art
(7)
(5)
galleries
12.1%
2.9%
Taking part in
(17)
(4)
local arts
activities
Once
every
month
Once
every 2-3
months
Once
every 6
months
Once
every 12
months
Never
0.7%
(1)
9.3%
(13)
2.9%
(4)
12.9%
(18)
0.0%
(0)
5.0%
(7)
5.0%
(7)
2.9%
(4)
0.7%
(1)
2.9%
(4)
3.6%
(5)
0.7%
(1)
0.0%
(0)
1.4%
(2)
2.1%
(3)
0.7%
(1)
3.6%
(5)
9.3%
(13)
32.9%
(46)
0.7%
(1)
2.1%
(3)
7.1%
(10)
2.1%
(3)
2.9%
(4)
5.7%
(8)
3.6%
(5)
2.9%
(4)
4.3%
(6)
17.1%
(24)
11.4%
(16)
7.9%
(11)
7.9%
(11)
25.0%
(35)
24.3%
(34)
12.9%
(18)
10.0%
(14)
30.0%
(42)
21.4%
(30)
55.0%
(77)
47.9%
(67)
Page 1
Continued…
Activity
Once
a
week
Once
every 2 –
3 weeks
17.9%
5.7%
Taking part in
(25)
(8)
evening
classes
11.4%
5.7%
Taking part in
(16)
(8)
organised
religious
activities
17.1%
10.0%
Visiting
(24)
(14)
libraries
20.7%
34.3%
Going to the
(29)
(48)
cinema
4.3%
7.9%
Going to
(6)
(11)
music
concerts/
events
7.1%
7.9%
10 pin bowling
(10)
(11)
7.1%
Going to youth 20.0%
(28)
(10)
clubs/ discos
17.1%
33.6%
Eating out at
(24)
(47)
restaurants
Once
every
month
Once
every 2-3
months
Once
every 6
months
Once
every 12
months
Never
6.4%
(9)
3.6%
(5)
0.7%
(1)
5.0%
(7)
50.0%
(70)
5.0%
(7)
1.4%
(2)
2.9%
(4)
14.3%
(20)
48.6%
(68)
8.6%
(12)
3.6% (5)
10.7%
(15)
12.1%
(17)
25.7%
(36)
22.1%
(31)
7.9%
(11)
10.0%
(14)
14.3%
(20)
2.9%
(4)
11.4%
(16)
1.4%
(2)
20.7%
(29)
2.9%
(4)
23.6%
(33)
16.4%
(23)
13.6%
(19)
15.0%
(21)
30.0%
(42)
13.6%
(19)
13.6%
(19)
9.3%
(13)
9.3%
(13)
6.4%
(9)
12.1%
(17)
14.3%
(20)
2.9%
(4)
7.9%
(11)
12.9%
(18)
2.9%
(4)
Q5. For each of the following places that you have visited within the last 12
months, please tell us how you would rate them. Were they excellent, good,
satisfactory, poor or very poor?
Facility
Excellent
20.0%
Gosling Park
(28)
14.3%
Hatfield Leisure
(20)
Centre
22.9%
Hatfield Swim
(32)
Centre
12.9%
Reflex Health &
(18)
Fitness Suite
12.9%
Panshanger Golf
(18)
Complex & Squash
Courts
8.6%
King George V
(12)
Playing Fields
15.0%
University of Herts
(21)
Sports Village
18.6%
Parks/
(26)
playgrounds/ open
spaces
15.0%
Stanborough Park
(21)
6.4%
Next Generation
(9)
Good
Satisfactory
Poor
Very
Poor
Don’t
know
23.6%
(33)
29.3%
(41)
35.7%
(50)
15.0%
(21)
15.0%
(21)
12.1%
(17)
10.7%
(15)
15.0%
(21)
9.3%
(13)
5.0%
(7)
2.1%
(3)
5.7%
(8)
3.6%
(5)
2.9%
(4)
1.4%
(2)
3.6%
(5)
6.4%
(9)
5.7%
(8)
5.7%
(8)
3.6%
(5)
33.6%
(47)
25.0%
(35)
11.4%
(16)
46.4%
(65)
52.9%
(74)
12.9%
(18)
14.3%
(20)
25.7%
(36)
10.7%
(15)
10.7%
(15)
17.9%
(25)
4.3%
(6)
0.7%
(1)
7.1%
(10)
2.9%
(4)
3.6%
(5)
4.3%
(6)
49.3%
(69)
45.0%
(63)
15.7%
(22)
19.3%
(27)
5.7%
(8)
11.4%
(16)
5.7%
(8)
3.6%
(5)
5.7%
(8)
2.9%
(4)
4.3%
(6)
34.3%
(48)
58.6%
(82)
Page 2
Continued…
Facility
Excellent
5.0%
Campus West –
(7)
New Maynard
Gallery/ DFR Gallery
5.7%
Campus West –
(8)
Live Theatre
6.4%
Barn Theatre
(9)
5.0%
University of Herts
(7)
Theatre
5.0%
Mill Green Museum
(7)
& Mill
3.6%
Welwyn Roman
(5)
Baths
5.0%
Campus West
(7)
Library
4.3%
Woodhall
(6)
Community Centre
12.9%
Jim McDonald
(18)
Centre
2.9%
Douglas Tilbe
(4)
House, Hall Grove
Commercial Leisure
37.1%
UCI Cinema Hatfield
(52)
5.0%
Campus West
(7)
Cinema
23.6%
Campus West
(33)
Roller City
Good
Satisfactory
Poor
11.4%
(16)
5.0%
(7)
0.7%
(1)
2.1%
(3)
63.6%
(89)
9.3%
(13)
5.7%
(8)
6.4%
(9)
12.9%
(18)
11.4%
(16)
7.1%
(10)
5.7%
(8)
6.4%
(9)
8.6%
(12)
7.9%
(11)
0.7%
(1)
2.1%
(3)
4.3%
(6)
0.0%
(0)
2.9%
(4)
2.1%
(3)
4.3%
(6)
2.1%
(3)
5.0%
(7)
7.1%
(10)
61.4%
(86)
59.3%
(83)
62.9%
(88)
53.6%
(75)
55.0%
(77)
5.0%
(7)
10.0%
(14)
8.6%
(12)
2.1%
(3)
10.0%
(14)
8.6%
(12)
6.4%
(9)
10.0%
(14)
2.1%
(3)
2.9%
(4)
0.7%
(1)
3.6%
(5)
11.4%
(16)
2.1%
(3)
2.9%
(4)
3.6%
(5)
52.1%
(73)
57.9%
(81)
55.0%
(77)
62.9%
(8)
32.9%
(46)
11.4%
(16)
25.7%
(36)
11.4%
(16)
19.3%
(27)
12.9%
(18)
2.9%
(4)
3.6%
(5)
0.7%
(1)
2.1%
(3)
3.6%
(5)
2.9%
(4)
7.1%
(10)
42.9%
(60)
20.0%
(28)
Very
Poor
Don’t
know
Page 3
Q6. Are there any reasons why you do not use leisure and communities facilities in Welwyn Garden City more often?
Lack of time
Lack of interest
Too far from home
Public transport not available
Car access/ car parking
Close to busy road/ railw ay
Facilities/ activities are too heavily ued
Local facilities are not good enough
Feels unsafe
Too expensive
Lack of facilities/ activities
Poor information
0
10
20
30
40
Percentage of respondents
50
elsew here instead
I am not allow ed
Public transport costs
Inconvenient public transport
Page 4
Q8. Do you think there is enough or not enough of the following facilities in
Welwyn Garden City?
Facility
Sport
(participation)
Gym/ fitness
facility
Museums &
galleries
Organised
religious
activities
Parks/
playgrounds/
open spaces
Theatre
More than
enough
10.7%
(15)
9.3%
(13)
5.7%
(8)
5.0%
(7)
About right/
enough
22.1%
(31)
21.4%
(30)
8.6%
(12)
12.1%
(17)
14.3%
(20)
17.1%
(24)
7.1%
(10)
7.9%
(11)
5.0%
(7)
8.6%
(12)
13.6%
(19)
Cinema
Music
concerts/
events
Youth clubs
Restaurants
Nearly
enough
7.1%
(10)
7.1%
(10)
6.4%
(9)
4.3%
(6)
Not enough
No opinion
10.0%
(14)
2.9%
(4)
11.4%
(16)
7.9%
(11)
28.6%
(40)
36.4%
(51)
40.7%
(57)
43.6%
(61)
9.3%
(13)
5.7%
(8)
22.9%
(32)
10.7%
(15)
17.9%
(25)
9.3%
(13)
5.0%
(7)
10.7%
(15)
4.3%
(6)
7.1%
(10)
6.4%
(9)
10.7%
(15)
37.1%
(52)
25.0%
(35)
39.3%
(55)
12.1%
(17)
12.1%
(17)
5.7%
(8)
7.9%
(11)
4.3%
(6)
7.1%
(10)
37.9%
(53)
30.0%
(42)
Future leisure and community development
Q9. If new facilities were built in Welwyn Garden City, which ones do you think you
would use?
Other
Restaurants
Indoor bowls
Ten Pin Bowling
Cinema
Theatre
Respondents %
Youth clubs
Other museums
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Page 5
APPENDIX D
FACILITY AUDIT SUPPORTING INFORMATION
APPENDIX D - FACILITY AUDIT SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Sports Halls within a 15 minute drive time from Welwyn Garden City Town Centre
NAME
ADDRESS 1
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
TYPE OF FACILITY
PRIVATE/
PUBLIC
FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES
Barnwell School
Barnwell
Stevenage
SG2 9SW
Sports Hall
Dual use
2 sports halls, 1 badminton court in each
Beaumont School
Oakwood Drive
St. Albans
AL4 0XB
Sports Hall
Dual use
Sports hall with one badminton court. School facilities - changing, toilets etc.
Longmead
Hatfield
AL10 0AN
Leisure Centre
Public
5 grass pitches, gym with 15 stations, sports hall with 4 badminton courts. Changing facilities, toilets, activity areas, disabled access.
Chancellors School
Pine Grove
Hatfield
AL9 7BN
Sports Hall
Dual use
One grass pitch, 3 sports halls, total of 4 badminton courts.
Gosling Sports Park
Stanborough Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6XE
Leisure Complex
Public
Aerobics studio, athletics track, bars and catering outlets, indoor bowls hall, 5 badminton courts, combat room, cycle track, function suite, golf driving
range, health and fitness suite, synthetic pitch
Haileybury College
Hertford
SG13 7NU
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 28 stations, 25m swimming pool, sports hall with 8 badminton courtssand based hockey pitch. Changing facilities.
Travellers Lane
Hatfield
AL10 8TJ
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 60 stations. Sports hall with 5 badminton courts. Changing facilities, activity areas, social areas, toilets, disabled access.
De Havilland Campus
Hatfield
AL10 9EU
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 120 stations, sports hall with 12 badminton courts, 25m swimming pool, 3 synthetic pitches (one sand based, two rubber crumb). Changing
facilities, toilets, activity areas, disabled access.
Nicholas Breakspear Roman Catholic School
Colney Heath Lane
St. Albans
AL4 0TT
Sports Hall
Dual use
2 sports halls, total of 3 badminton courts. Changing facilities.
Presdales School
Hoe Lane
Ware
SG12 9NX
Sports Hall
Dual use
2 sports halls, one badminton court in each. 2 grass pitches. Changing facilities.
Barnwell
Stevenage
SG2 9SW
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 26 stations. Sports hall with 4 badminton courts. Changing facilities, toilets.
Herns Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2AF
Sports Hall
Dual use
School site with 2 sports halls. One has one badminton court, the other has three.
Stanborough School
Lemsford Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6YR
Sports Hall
Dual use
School site with 2 sports halls. One has one badminton court, the other has four.
Lytton Way
Stevenage
SG1 1LZ
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 92 stations, indoor bowls - 6 rinks, sports hall with 8 badminton courts. Changing facilities, toilets.
The Sele School
Welwyn Road
Hertford
SG14 2DG
Sports Hall
Dual use
7 grass pitches, 2 sports halls with total of 3 badminton courts, changing facilities, toilets.
Watton At Stone Community Hall
School Lane
Watton At Stone
SG14 3SF
Sports Hall
Public
Community hall with 1 badminton court.
Health & Fitness Facilities within a 10 minute drive time of Welwyn Garden City Town Centre
NAME
ADDRESS 1
TOWN/ COUNTY
POSTCODE
TYPE OF FACILITY
PRIVATE/
PUBLIC
Longmead
Hatfield
AL10 0AN
Leisure Centre
Public
5 grass pitches, gym with 15 stations, sports hall with 4 badminton courts. Changing facilities, toilets, activity areas, disabled access.
Gosling Sports Park
Stanborough Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6XE
Leisure Complex
Public
Aerobics studio, athletics track, bars and catering outlets, indoor bowls hall, 5 badminton courts, combat room, cycle track, children's parties, function
suite, golf driving range, 70 station health and fitness suite, junior activity programme, synthetic pitch, mee
Haileybury College
Hertford
SG13 7NU
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 28 stations, sports hall with 8 badminton courts, 25m swimming pool, sand based hockey pitch. Changing facilities.
Travellers Lane
Hatfield
AL10 8TJ
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 60 stations. Sports hall with 6 badminton courts. Changing facilities, activity areas, social areas, toilets, disabled access.
Lemsford Road
Hatfield
AL10 0EB
Swimming pool/ gym Public
Gym with 23 stations. 4 swimming pools, one diving pool, 2 learner pools and one main pool (33m x 17m)
De Havilland Campus
Hatfield
AL10 9EU
Leisure Centre
Public
Herts Country Club
Chequers Field
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4HY
Country Club
Private
Multi-gym, 10 snooker tables, toning tables, thai-boxing facilities, 2 hard-back squash courts, 3 glass-back and 1 exhibition court, health suite, solarium.
Conference and banqueting facilities. Wedding functions and other celebrations. Also bar/ lounge,
Old Knebworth Lane
Stevenage
SG2 8DU
Leisure Centre
Private
Gym with 80 stations, 25m swimming pool, 2 squash courts. Changing facilities, toilets.
Barnwell
Stevenage
SG2 9SW
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 26 stations. Sports hall with 4 badminton courts. Changing facilities, toilets.
Lytton Way
Stevenage
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 92 stations, indoor bowls - 6 rinks, sports hall with 8 badminton courts. Changing facilities, toilets.
The Hangar
Hatfield
Health club
Private
Gym with 150 stations, 25m indoor swimming pool, 20m outdoor swimming pool, indoor splash pool. 3 squash courts and climbing wall
SG1 1LZ
AL10 9AX
Swimming Pools within a 10 minute drive time of Wewyn Garden City Town Centre
NAME
ADDRESS 1
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
TYPE OF FACILITY
PRIVATE/
PUBLIC
Haileybury College
Hertford
SG13 7NU
Leisure Centre
Public
Gym with 28 stations, sports hall with 8 badminton courts, 25m swimming pool, sand based hockey pitch. Changing facilities.
Lemsford Road
Hatfield
AL10 0EB
Swimming pool
Public
Gym with 23 stations. 3 swimming pools, one diving pool, 1 learner pools and one main pool (33m x 17m)
De Havilland Campus
Hatfield
AL10 9EU
Leisure Centre
Public
Monks Walk School Pool
Knightsfield
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7NL
Swimming pool
Club use
5 full size grass football pitches. One 20m swimming pool. One sand-based synthetic turf pitch. 120 space carpark.
The Hangar
Hatfield
AL10 9AX
Health club
Private
Gym with 150 stations, 25m indoor swimming pool, 20m outdoor swimming pool, indoor splash pool. 3 squash courts and climbing wall
Old Knebworth Lane
Stevenage
SG2 8DU
Leisure Centre
Private
Gym with 80 stations, 25m swimming pool, 2 squash courts. Changing facilities, toilets.
Queenswood School
Shepherds Way
Hatfield
AL9 6NS
Swimming pool
Private
2 indoor tennis courts, 25m swimming pool, one sand based hockey pitch. 18 outdoor clay courts.
Other Indoor Sports Facilities within a 15 min DT of WGC
TYPE OF FACILITY NAME
ADDRESS 1
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
PRIVATE/
PUBLIC
Squash
Panshanger Golf Course & Squash Courts
Old Herns Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2ED
Public
18 hole golf course. Pitch & put. 3 squash courts. Putting green & practice area. Tavern & function suite.
Squash
Herts Country Club
Chequers Field
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4HY
Private
Multi-gym, 10 snooker tables, toning tables, thai-boxing facilities, 2 hard-back squash courts, 3 glass-back and 1 exhibition court, health suite,
solarium. Conference and banqueting facilities. Wedding functions and
other celebrations. Also bar/ lounge,
Squash
Old Knebworth Lane
Stevenage
SG2 8DU
Private
Gym with 80 stations, sports hall with 3 badminton courts, 25m swimming pool, 2 squash courts. Changing facilities, toilets.
Squash
Travellers Lane
Hatfield
AL10 8TJ
Public
Two glass backed squash courts and dance studio
Squash
De Havilland Campus Hatfield
AL10 9EU
Public
* 25 metre 8 lane swimming pool; * multi-functional main hall, * 100-station Vision Health and Fitness Club; * 2 squash courts; * 4 lane indoor cricket
centre; * New Generation artificial pitches for football and rugby; * 12m high Climbing wall;
Indoor Bowls Hall
Lytton Way
Stevenage
Public
Centre houses the Gordon Craig Theatre, Concert Hall, Conference Suite, Multi-purpose Sports Hall, Indoor Bowls Hall, squash courts, Climbing Wall,
Health and Fitness Suite, Dance Studio, Solarium, Arts and Crafts Studio, Carvery Restaurant, coffee house,
Indoor Bowls Hall
Hatfield Lawn Tennis & Indoor Bowls
College Lane
Hatfield
AL10 9PJ
Public
Indoor bowls hall, tennis courts
Indoor Bowls Hall
Gosling Sports Park
Stanborough Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6XE
Public
As before
Indoor Tennis
Welwyn Tennis Club
Ottway Walk
Welwyn
AL6 9AT
Private
2 indoor courts, 8 outdoor
Indoor Tennis
Hatfield Business
Park
Hatfield
AL10 9AX
Private
As before
SG1 1LZ
Libraries within Welwyn Garden City
NAME
ADDRESS 1
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
PRIVATE/
PUBLIC
Welwyn Garden City Library (Campus West
Library)
Campus West
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6AE
Public
Internet access. Lift to upper floor. Fax service. Study space. Storytime - Fri 2.15-2.45. Baby ryhme time 1st fri every month - 10.30-11.00.
Woodhall Library
Cole Green Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3JA
Public
Storytime: Tuesdays, 14.15 – 14.45, photocopier, fax service, study space, internet access, disabled access
Community halls within Welwyn Garden City
NAME
ADDRESS 1
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
Campus West Conference Centre
Campus West
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6AE
Woodhall Community Centre
Mill Green Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3ZD
Hyde Community Association
Hollybush Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4JS
Douglas Tilbe House
Hall Grove
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4PH
Panshanger Community Centre
Moors Walk
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2BQ
Ludwick Family Club
Hall Grove
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4PH
Vineyard Barn
The Vineyard
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7PU
The Free Church Hall
Parkway
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2PA
St Francis of Assisi Church Hall
Church Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6HH
Christ the King Church Hall
Haldens
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 1DH
Digswell Village Hall
30 Hamer Green Lane Digswell
AL6 0AT
Places of Worship within Welwyn Garden City
NAME
ADDRESS 1
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
Christchurch Baptist Church
110 Parkway
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6HN
Fountain of Life
Hall Grove
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4PJ
Herts Renewel & Family Church
Oaklands College
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6AH
Panshanger Church
Corner of Moors Walk & Hardings
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2HA
The Free Church
Church Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6JQ
Woodhall Lane United Reform Church
Woodhall Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3ZD
St Francis of Assisi Church
Church Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6HH
Howlands Baptist Church
The Commons
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4RS
Our Lady Queen of Apostles
141 Woodhall Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3TP
Pentecostal Church
Hyde Valley
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3TP
St Bonaventure Catholic Church
81 Parkway
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6JF
St Mary Magdalene Parish Church
Holly Bush Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4JS
Adventist Community Church
Applecroft Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6JZ
Christ the King
Haldens
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 1DH
Digswell Village Church
Warren Way
Welwyn Garden City
AL6 0DH
St John the Evangelist C of E Church (Lemsford) 13 The Valley Green
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7DQ
St John the Evangelist (Welwyn Garden City)
Monks Rise
Welwyn Garden City
First Church of Christian Scientist
131 Parkway
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6JD
Panshanger United Church
Moors Walk
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2EJ
Campus Church (Independent Baptist)
33 Hyde Way
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3UQ.
Panshanger Evangelical Free Church
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2AF
Welwyn Garden City Hebrew Congregation
The Synagogue, Barn Close
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6ST
Jehovah's Witness
Kingdom Hall
Welwyn Garden City
Ludwick Way Methodist Church
Ludwick Way
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3PN
Vineyard Barn Methodist Church
The Barn
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7PU
Society of Friends (Quakers)
Friends Meeting House
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6SP
Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
194 Knightsfield
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7RQ
Nurseries within Welwyn Garden City
NAME
ADDRESS 1
YMCA Childcare
ADDRESS 2
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
Peartree Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3UL
Ludwick Nursery School
Holwell Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3RP
Rowan Tree Day Nursery
9 Guessens Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6QW
Squirrels at Ludwick Nursery School
Holwell Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4TP
Nord Anglia Day Nurseries
Unit 1,2,Shires Pk
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 1TN
Hall Grove Community Pre School
Hall Grove
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4PH
Baby Signing
3 Cypress Av
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 1HN
Childcare in Canada
12 Kingsley Ct
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4HZ
Child Base Day Nursery
Howlands
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4HH
Harwood Hill Pre-School
Harwood Cl
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7ST
Annabels Montessori School
Lemsford Village Hall
Brocket Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7TT
Brocket Pre-School
Brocket Park
Lemsford
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7XG
Jigsaw Day Nursery
Kestrel Way
Shire Park
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 1TN
Kestrel Way
Youth Clubs within Welwyn Garden City
NAME
ADDRESS 1
ADDRESS 2
POSTCODE
International Youth Hostel Federation
Gate House
Fretherne Rd
AL8 6RD
First Panshanger Girls Brigade
10 Chalk Dale
The Sea Cadet Corps
Rear of Workshop
Air Training Corps
Lemsford Lane
AL8 6YN
Monks Walk Youth Centre
Knightsfield
AL8 7NL
AL7 2AP
Lemsford Lane
AL8 6YN
Museums within a 15 min DT of WGC
NAME
ADDRESS 1
Welwyn Roman Baths
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
Welwyn By Pass
Welwyn
AL6 9NX
Mill Green Museum and Mill
Mill Green
Hatfield
AL9 5PD
Datchworth Museum
Datchworth
Nr. Knebworth
Herts.
SG3 6TL
De Haviland Aircraft Heritage Centre
PO Box 107
Salisbury Hall
Herts.
AL2 1EX
Hertford Museum
18 Bull Plain
Hertford
SG14 1DT
Hitchin British Schools
41/42 Queen Street
Hitchin
Herts.
SG4 9TS
Knebworth House
The Estate Office
Knebworth House
Knebworth
Herts.
SG3 6PY
Lowewood Museum
Lowewood
High Street
Hoddesdon
Herts.
EN11 8BH
Museum of St Albans
Hatfield Road
St Albans
Herts.
AL1 3RR
Verulamium Museum, St Albans
St Michael's Street
St Albans
Herts.
AL3 4SW
St Albans Organ Museum
PO Box 59
St Albans
Herts.
AL1 5PE
Shaw's Corner, Ayot St Lawrence
Ayot St Lawrence
Nr. Welwyn
Stevenage Museum
St George's Way
Stevenage
Ware Museum
The Priory Lodge
89 High Street
Wyllyotts Centre Local History Museum, Potters
Wyllyotts Centre
Bar
Hatfield House
The House Office
ADDRESS 2
ADDRESS 3
London Colney
AL6 9BX
Hertsfordshire
SG1 1XX
Ware
Herts.
SG12 9AL
Wyllyotts Place
Darkes Lane
Potters Bar, Herts.
EN6 2HN
Hatfield House
Hatfield
Hertfordshire
AL9 5NQ
Theatres & Art Galleries within a 15 min DT of WGC
TYPE OF FACILITY
NAME
The Barn Theatre
ADDRESS 1
ADDRESS 2
POSTCODE
Handside Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6ST
Campus West Arts & Conference Centre
The Campus
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6BX
Alban Arena (St Albans)
Civic Centre
St Albans
AL1 3LD
The Auditorium
University of Hertfordshire
de Havilland Campus
Hatfield
AL10 9AB
Castle Hall, Hertford
The Wash
Hertford
Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Lytton Way
Stevenage
SG1 1LZ
Lytton Theatre
Vardon Road
Stevenage
Herts.
SG1 5PZ
SandPit Theatre
Sandringham School
The Ridgway
St Albans, Herts.
AL4 9NX
SG14 1PS
Theatres & Art Galleries within a 15 min DT of WGC
NAME
ADDRESS 1
ADDRESS 2
Trestle Arts Base
Russet Drive
St Albans
Boxfield Gallery, Stevenage
Stevenage Arts and
Leisure Centre
Lytton Way
Courtyard Arts Centre
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
Herts.
AL4 0JQ
Stevenage
Herts.
SG1 1LZ
Courtyard Arts Centre Port Vale
Hertford
Herts.
SG14 3AA
Hertfordshire Gallery, Hertford
6 St Andrew Street
Herts.
New Maynard Gallery
Campus West Theatre Campus West, The
Foyer
Campus
Welwyn Garden City
Herts.
AL8 6BX
Flora Robson Gallery
Campus West Arts and
The Campus
Conference Centre
Welwyn Garden City
Herts.
AL8 6BX
Art and Design Gallery, University of
Hertfordshire
College Lane
Herts.
AL10 9AB
Hertford
Hatfield
ADDRESS 3
SG14 1JE
Cinemas within a 15 min DT of WGC
TYPE OF
FACILITY
NAME
ADDRESS 1
Cinema
The Galleria
Cinema
ADDRESS 2
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
Comet Way
Hatfield
AL10 0XR
Campus West Theatre
The Campus
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6BX
Cinema
Cineworld, Stevenage
Unit 4
Kingsway
Stevenage
SG1 2UA
Ten Pin Bowling
Hollywood Bowl
Stevenage Leisure
Park
Six Hills Way
Stevenage
SG1 2UA
Restaurants within Welwyn Garden City
NAME
Type
ADDRESS 1
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
Fu Hao Chinese Restaurant
Chinese
45 Wigmores North
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6PG
Novelli at Auberge du Lac
French
Brocket Hall
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7XG
Bipash Tandoori Restaurant
Indian
41 Cole Green Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3PP
Indian Spice
Indian
4 Fretherne Rd
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6NU
Pavilion Restaurant The
Indian
49 Wigmores North
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6PG
Raj Garden
Indian
78 Haldens
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 1DD
Raj of India
Indian
16 Hall Grove
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4PH
Morelli's Cappuccino
Italian
The Howard Centre
Howardsgate
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6HA
Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd
Italian
1 Howardsgate
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6AL
PizzaExpress plc
Italian
40 Howardsgate
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6BJ
Ask
Italian
4 Howardsgate
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6BQ
Terranova Restaurant
Mexican
Stanborough Park
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6DR
Beehive Restaurant & Pub
Mixed
Beehive Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4BW
Long & Short Arm
Mixed
18 Lemsford Village Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7TN
Cork
Mixed
9 Howardsgate
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6AW
The Crooked Chimney
Mixed
Cromer Hyde Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 7XE
Burridge A Fisheries
Seafood
39 Cole Green Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 3PP
Haldens Fisheries
Seafood
92 Haldens
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 1DD
Lee's Fish & Chips
Seafood
97 Moors Walk
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2BQ
Sizzlers Fish & Chip Takeaway
Seafood
14 Hall Grove
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4PH
Seafood
25 Stonehills
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6NA
Chinese
87-89 Moors Walk
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 2BQ
Welwyn Fisheries (Stonehills) Ltd
Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
Hotels within Welwyn Garden City
NAME
ADDRESS 1
Brocket Hall
Brocket Hall
International Ltd
Quality Hotel Welwyn
A1M Junction 6
Tewin Bury Farm Hotel
ADDRESS 2
TOWN/COUNTY
POSTCODE
Welwyn
AL8 7XG
High class accom - 46 bedroom. Two 18 hole golf courses (best in Herts) - home to Nick Faldo school of golf. Restaurant. Once home of
Lord Brocket. Weddings.
Welwyn
AL6 9XA
Weddings & conferences up to 250 people. 96 rooms. 2 bars & public restaurant.
Hertford Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL6 0JB
Conference rooms for 200 people. The 17th Century Tythe Barn and Stable block make excellent venues for weddings and other functions.
Restaurant.
The White Hart Hotel & Restaurant
2 Prospect Place
Welwyn
AL6 9EN
13 luxury bedrooms. Restaurant, meeting rooms, private functions.
Travel Inn
Stanborough Road
Welwyn Garden City
AL8 6DQ
Budget accomodation. Next to Beafeater pub/ restaurant.
Homestead Court Hotel
Homestead Lane
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4LX
64 bedrooms, 5 conference and banqueting rooms, a restaurant and a bar, which is open to non-residents. The hotel can cater for 200
people for a sit down meal.
Bush Hall Hotel
Mill Green
Hatfield
AL9 5NT
English Country House Hotel dating back to 1574. 25 rooms. 125 acres of parkland. 2AA Rosettes.
The Link
Planned Facilities
DESCRIPTION
ADDRESS 1
ADDRESS 2
ADDRESS 4 POSTCODE
CATCHME DEVELOPMENT
NT AREA TYPE
DEVELOPMENT
STATUS/DETAILS OF DEVELOPMENT
SCENARIO
City Academy
Barnet College
Wood Street
Barnet
20 mins
Colleges
Worst case
Next Generation Health Club
Welwyn Road
Herford
Hertfordshire SG14 2BA
15 mins
Health clubs
Most likely
Retail/Residential/Office Development
Arlington Business
Park
Gunnels Wood
Road
Stevenage
SG1 2AS
10 mins
Offices
Most likely
24 Houses & Community Centre
Sele Farm Community
The Ridgeway
Centre
HERTFORD
SG14 2JE
15 mins
Residential and
community
Most likely
Cinema/Multi Storey Car Park
Bricket Road
St Albans
Hertfordshire AL1 3JW
20 mins
Cinemas
Most likely
Shops/Cafes/Hotel/Health Centre
Land at Hatfield
Aerodrome
Comet Way
Hatfield
15 mins
Multi-leisure/
shops
Worst case
EN5 4AZ
AL10 9TF
Contract Awarded Planing is yet to be submitted. Scheme comprises provision of a new City Academy including sports
facilities access by pedestrian bridge. Associated works included.
An application (ref: 99/01945) for Detailed Planning permission was granted by East Hertfordshire D.C. Scheme
comprises construction of new indoor tennis club and general sports centre of 9,150 sqm. The main building
comprises at ground floor level, 4 te
Land has been sold. An application (ref: 02/00098) for Outline Planning permission was granted by Stevenage B.C.
Scheme comprises construction of office, leisure, educational, residential and industrial development. Associated
works will also include acc
Detail Plans Granted by East Hertfordshire D.C. Scheme comprises demolition of buildings and construction of new
community centre and 24 units of affordable housing. Scheme will also include access road, site services,
infrastructure, service engineering
An application (ref: 01/00443) for Detailed Planning permission was granted by St. Albans D.C. Scheme comprises redevelopment of decked car park site with construction of a cinema complex. Cinema building provides 1556 seats, 8
screen auditoria to uppe
Detailed plans submitted. An application (ref: S6 2005 675) for Detailed Planning permission was submitted to Welwyn
Hatfield D.C. Scheme comprises mixed use development of district centre, comprising of retail facilities, hotel,
health centre, day nurse
APPENDIX E
SUPPLY AND DEMAND MODELLING
SUPPLY AND DEMAND MODELLING TECHNICAL APPENDIX
Contents
1.
Demographic Data ................................................................................................... 2
2.
Population Projections Data ................................................................................... 2
3.
Sport and Leisure Data............................................................................................ 2
4.
Facility Audits (existing supply)............................................................................. 2
5.
Facility Audits (future supply) ................................................................................ 3
6.
Generation of Catchment Area and Population .................................................... 4
7.
Demand Modelling – Swimming Pools .................................................................. 6
8.
Demand Model – Sports Halls ................................................................................ 8
9.
Demand Modelling – Health and Fitness ............................................................... 9
10. Demand for Other Facilities .................................................................................. 11
© 2004 PMP Consultancy Limited
Page 1
1. Demographic Data
The demographic data source used is the most comprehensive source of demographic
data, namely the 2001 Census.
2. Population Projections Data
Revised demographic reports are based on the 2001 census. Population projections for
PMP’s demand models are based on 1996 projections with an amendment to reflect the
2001 census. These have been reproduced by permission of the Office of National
Statistics. The 2001 census results have highlighted significant discrepancies in the
1996 estimates and actual figures for 2001. Details of the population projections can be
found on the {data} tab of the demographic report.
The projections show what population levels would result if assumptions about future
migration, fertility and mortality were exactly realized. The assumptions underlying the
calculation of the projections are based on recent demographic trends and do not reflect
the impact of future policies (social or economic).
© Crown Copyright 1998
3. Sport and Leisure Data
This data source is derived from Continental Research’s Million Plus Panel. This panel
comprises a pool of over 2 million UK residents and holds over 3,000 lifestyle,
demographic and purchasing details. This panel is a representative sample of the
Experian Ltd (ICD) Lifestyle database, which has in excess of 12 million records.
The Million Plus Panel allows minority groups, such as Golfers or Stamp Collectors (for
example people who represent less than 1% of the population) to be analysed and
profiled.
The Panel is updated biannually and therefore represents a comprehensive and up to
date data source.
All records have a valid postcode attached to them. Any sample area can therefore be
profiled by collating all records (postcodes) that fall within the target area and comparing
this profile to the profile of the whole database (which represents GB).
© 1999 Million Plus Panel/Continental Research
4. Facility Audits (existing supply)
Below are brief details of the methodology that is followed when completing facility
audits.
A wide variety of sources of audit information are used to identify target facilities (public
and private), including
•
Mapping the Future’s (MtF) audit of facilities, which includes data on health and
fitness facilities, swimming pools, sports halls, synthetic turf pitches, golf courses,
playing pitches, athletics tracks, 5-a-side soccer centres.
Page 2
•
•
•
Various internet search engines and other web sites
AFD Postcode software, identifying all postal addresses within the target areas.
Audits are validated by using designated list companies, for example JS Turner
Direct Marketing. The main output from such organisations are lists of facilities,
which are quality checked and updated by designated teams of MtF researchers.
Every facility identified is quality checked by telephone to ensure the facility details are
accurate, to assess the level of public access (management) and to confirm the level of
provision and charges, where required.
Level of provision is measured in different units depending on the target facility, but the
main facility types use the following units:
•
•
•
Health and fitness – number of stations (including all cardiovascular and
resistance machines. Free weights are not included)
Sports halls – number of badminton courts
Swimming pools – pool area in metres squared.
Proposed facilities may also be taken into account and are identified through the
National Planning Databases, for example Glenigan Direct.
5. Facility Audits (future supply)
To predict the future supply of facilities, current planning applications are researched.
Companies such as Glenigan Direct specialise in such data.
All planning applications that might contain relevant developments are assimilated into
the models to assess future demand. The actual size of the planned facilities is often
unknown, therefore the size is estimated to be the common size, (ie in the case of a
swimming pool one pool unit = 212m2, or one sports hall = four badminton courts).
The exceptions to this are where the client that is developing the site is a major / national
operator. This is especially important in the health and fitness market. For example, if a
Fitness First, Holmes Place or other large operator are planning a site, their completed
scheme is likely to have around 100 stations of health and fitness equipment and a
swimming pool of 25metres is not uncommon. Therefore, such planned facilities are
given the appropriate value.
It should be noted that planning applications can be at a number of different stages, from
submission of outline plans to having detailed planning approval. At any stage of the
planning application process a scheme can run into difficulties and lead to planning
permission not being granted. Due to this the demand models consider two different
scenarios, namely, ‘The most likely scenario’ (only developments with detailed plans in
their planning applications or that have started on site take place) and ‘The worst case
scenario’ (all planned developments take place).
The most likely scenario
Page 3
This scenario only includes those planning applications that have had detailed plans
granted or have started work on site. Such facilities are the most likely facilities to be in
place within the next 3-5 years.
The worst case scenario
Unlike the previous scenario this scenario assumes that all planned facilities that are
going through the application process will gain planning permission.
6. Generation of Catchment Area and Population
All demand models are based upon the population within a predefined catchment area.
Usually this is a drivetime catchment, but there are other types also utilised, including:
•
•
•
a radial (‘as the crow flies’ distance from a central point) catchment,
user defined (a catchment area defined by existing membership / usage),
a drive length catchment (where the catchment boundary is calculated by
traveling along all possible roads from a central point for a certain distance).
Drivetime catchments
Drivetime catchments are similar to drive length ones, but instead of traveling on every
possible combination of roads from a central point for a certain distance, the boundary of
the catchment is defined by a travel time down each road combination.
There are several important aspects to generating such catchments, namely:
• For drivetime catchments to be possible, the road speed for every road is
required. In the MtF system the average road speeds published by the AA are
used. These are dependent upon the urban density through which the road lies.
•
The term ‘average’ means that it is the road speed that is possible taking into
account maximum road speeds, stopping delays, but assumes that congestion is
minimal (off peak).
•
Peak drivetimes which take congestion into account are not widely used because
they are too unpredictable. Congestion is dependent on so many things, for
example, time of day, day of the week, day of the year (bank holidays), school
holidays, road works, etc. Therefore, no one drivetime would cover peak
conditions.
•
Off peak drivetimes are arguably more appropriate as much of the peak hours of
sport and leisure facilities is during times of minimal congestion.
.
•
•
Off-peak drivetimes are an average representation of drivetimes. Therefore, just
because it might be possible to travel further or not as far on occasions, this does
not make the drivetimes incorrect.
Special considerations have been made for roads that are located in London.
London roads have had their road speeds reduced to a greater extent than other
urban roads.
Page 4
•
The details and level of accuracy of a Drivetime catchment is dependent upon
the complexity of the mapping road layer that is used to generate such
catchments. The different road layers are typically at the following scales:
o
o
o
Street Level – very detailed but requires much detail on road character,
access, navigation and restrictions (e.g. no right turns, one way, bus
lanes etc). This layer is costly to operate and keep up to date, and
arguably goes into too much detail.
1:200,000 scale layer – detailed road layer concentrating on major roads.
Less detailed than the street level layer but less dependent upon accurate
and up to date road restriction / navigation data.
1:500,000 scale layer – less detailed network of roads. Quick and easy to
use but produces generalized output drivetimes.
For the MtF system the 1:200,000 road layer is most commonly used. It
combines a sufficient level of detail with value for money and usability
•
The size of drivetimes is often defined in conjunction with the demand
parameters. For example Sport England estimate that the most significant size of
catchment for sports halls and swimming pools in urban areas is 15 minutes.
The corresponding size for health and fitness is less than this. This is due to the
presence of far more facilities of this type. Therefore, potential users have more
choice of where to travel to and therefore are not prepared to travel for large
distances. Market leaders in health and fitness provision now use a combination
of drivetimes commonly between 5 and 12 minutes.
Population within drivetime catchments
Once drivetimes have been created the population within them is calculated. The
accuracy of this calculation is dependent upon two things. Firstly the method by which
the drivetime was calculated (and therefore its size), and secondly, the method by which
the demographic data underlying any map is stored and then used.
Mapping packages in general use two methods to calculate populations. Demographic
data is stored at a number of levels, for example at ward, postcode sector (M22 5) or
enumeration district (ED) level. When it is stored at ED level it is possible to count all
the EDs that are located within a drivetime. Where an ED intersects the boundary of the
drivetime it is either included or not depending on the location of the geometrical center
of the ED. If this center is located outside the boundary then it is ignored, and if it is
inside then it is included. This assumes that the amount that are excluded will be
compensated by those that are included.
Where postcode sectors or wards are used (larger areas) there are often not enough of
them in a drivetime to allow an accurate use of geometrical centers. Therefore, they use
a different methodology of calculating populations. Where a postcode sector or ward is
intersecting the drivetime boundary, the percentage of its area that lies within it is
calculated. This percentage is then applied to the population data within the postcode
sector / ward. This alleviates the issue of including and excluding peripheral area, but it
does assume that the distribution of population within postcode sectors / wards is even
throughout.
Page 5
The MtF system uses the second methodology.
Different systems generate different drivetimes and different populations
From the above it can be seen that differences in drivetime calculations and the
subsequent calculations of populations is possible between different mapping packages.
Each package will calculate road speeds slightly different, some take into account delays
at every roundabout, traffic light and junction, some do not take into account urban
density and its impact on road speeds.
Furthermore, different packages store demographic data at different levels and calculate
populations using either of the methods explained above.
No system is more right or wrong than any other, but care should be taken if
comparisons are being made between results from different mapping packages.
7. Demand Modelling – Swimming Pools
Any model is a snapshot of reality that has been based upon a number of assumptions.
A brief methodology of the demand model and the assumptions on which it is based
follow.
What size of facility is required to cater for estimated demand?
The demand model is based upon the estimated demand of any catchment area.
Demand is assessed using two criteria - Age and Gender. Sport England has
researched parameters of swimming pool demand based on these two criteria. It is
these parameters that have been used in this model (They are displayed on the Demand
Model Sheet itself).
Therefore, once the age and gender breakdown of any population is known, the potential
demand for swimming can be estimated.
At one time capacity
The supply that is needed to cater for this demand is then calculated. In order that all
demand is catered for, the supply will need to be sufficient in size to cater for the
maximum demand at any point in time. The at one time capacity has to therefore be
able to cater for the maximum demand.
At one time capacity (the capacity in any peak session) is then used to calculate the
necessary supply. This is based on a number of assumptions that have been
researched by Sport England. They are as follows:
•
•
•
•
Proportion of visits during peak times = 63%
Average duration of visit = 64 minutes (tank), 68 minutes (leisure pool)
Normal peak periods = 52 hours per week = 49 peak sessions
At one time capacity = 6m2 per person
Page 6
•
•
•
A one time capacity is defined as the supply/capacity of one m2 of pool area at
any one time
Capacity per 212m2 (1 pool unit) = 35 people. (number of metres squared
divided by the at one time capacity of one m2)
A pool unit is defined as an average four lane, 25 metre pool.
This calculates a total supply in metres squared that is necessary to meet the maximum
demand. This figure is compared to the existing supply, which is calculated from a
detailed competition analysis.
Assessing current supply
A detailed competition analysis is performed on the catchment area and the size of pool
area available to the public is researched. Supply is then calculated for the total pool
area that is available to the public for casual use. Private pools and pools that do not
allow any casual swimming are taken out of the calculation of pool supply. Supply of
pool areas that have limited public access are adjusted/reduced accordingly.
Comparing the existing supply (measured in pool area) to the current estimated demand
(measured in pool area) quantifies the current over supply or unmet demand of
swimming pools (measured in pool area).
Other assumptions used within demand models
The model relies on other assumptions, namely:
•
It is assumed that all pools within the catchment are equally accessible, irrespective
of relative location within the catchment.
•
It assumes that the number of people residing just outside the catchment who will
use pools within the catchment is equal to the number of people who reside within
the catchment and use pools outside the catchment.
Modelling future situations
Demand in the future
The model can be rerun taking into account the projected changes in demand as a result
of changes in population. The base model uses population figures from 2001.
When estimating future demand it is assumed that an increase in population of 10% will
result in a 10% increase in demand for pool area. This allows the estimated demand for
swimming pool area to be projected into the future.
Supply in the future
The supply in the future is assessed using the methodology outlined in Section 5. All
planned facilities will not come to fruition. Therefore, the future supply is assessed in
two future scenarios, namely:
Page 7
•
•
‘The most likely scenario’ – only those developments that have detailed plans
granted or have started to build on site are included, and
‘The worst case scenario’ – where all planned facilities actually come to fruition
and are therefore included.
The projected supply and demand are then compared, to quantify the level of over or
under supply up to five years into the future.
Demand Modelling – An Objective Tool
The model methodology above provides an objective assessment of the relationship
between supply and demand. The local context and other more subjective factors are
not considered at this stage. As a result, conclusions generated from the demand
models should be taken in this context and where possible used in conjunction with an
analysis of the local context. Other considerations include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The quality of existing provision. If there is an over supply, but a significant
amount of it is in a very poor state of repair then a new competitor in the market
place could be financially viable.
Access to existing provision. There might be gaps in the market even if there is
an overall over supply. This might be when provision is concentrated on a few
sites, or more concentrated in certain areas. Therefore, some potential markets
can not successfully access the existing supply due to its spatial distribution.
Price / value for money. For example, in the health and fitness market, different
facilities are differentiated by price rather than whether they are public or private.
It is price that can now affect and control the attractiveness of facilities.
The facility mix of existing provision. For example, if a health and fitness club
includes a swimming pool its chances of success are greater than one without,
especially if membership subscriptions are similar. Therefore, a facility offering a
better service than the existing provision can be successful in an area where
there is little or no unmet demand. However, its success will often be to the
detriment of the existing provision.
If you increase the supply the demand will increase as a result. This is a tested
methodology when used in a road building context. That is, if a new road is built
all that happens is that cars fill it up until journey times are reduced to the same
time as was the case before the new road was built. In the scenario of sports
facilities, demand will increase when supply grows, but by how much has yet to
be researched and quantified.
Differentiated product in the new facility. A new facility must have a product that
is significantly different and/or better than what is currently provided for. For
example, if there are no leisure pools in an area of over supply of pool area and
one is opened, its viability is possible because this type of facility is not currently
provided for.
Local Economic Plans. If there are any local developments that will bring in new
residents and employees/ers, and not just cater for natural population changes,
then they will impact on the population projections in that area.
8. Demand Model – Sports Halls / Squash Courts
Page 8
This model works on exactly the same principals as the swimming pool model, but with
the relevant parameters.
These parameters include: (Source:
1999 Sport England)
Assumptions/Parameters used in Model:
•
•
Average duration of visit = 1 hour
•
Normal peak periods = 40.5 hours per week
•
At one time capacity = 5 people per badminton court
Squash courts can also be analysed using the same methodology, but currently the only
demand parameters published are those researched by Sport Scotland.
9. Demand Modelling – Health and Fitness
The commercial value of and growth in the health and fitness market has resulted in this
type of facility to be vitaly important to assess. Below is the methodology used in
assessing unmet demand in this type of facility.
Demand for health and fitness
There are few demand parameters for health and fitness. This is because:
•
•
•
Sport England has completed little research in this sector
It is a very financially and commercially sensitive sector, which results in any
research completed being confidential
There are so many different types of health and fitness facilities, from a small
back room gym with free weights only to a 10,000 sqft fully equipped and air
conditioned gym as part of an even larger multi sport club.
The demand model is based upon the estimated demand of any catchment area.
Demand is assessed using two criteria – Total Adult Population and Sport and Leisure
Potential. The Sport and Leisure Potential is assessed using data form the Million Plus
Panel (see Section 3).
Therefore, once the population and propensity of this population to participate in health
and fitness is known, the potential demand for health and fitness can be estimated.
The supply that is needed to cater for this demand is then calculated. In order that all
demand is catered for the supply will need to be sufficient in size to cater for the
maximum demand at any point in time. The ‘at one time capacity’ has to therefore be
able to cater for the maximum demand.
At one time capacity (the capacity in any peak session) is then used to calculate the
necessary supply. This is based on a number of assumptions that are listed at the start
of each model, and include:
a The average health and fitness session is one hour
a 65% of use is during peak times
Page 9
a Peak times are 5-9pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm weekends (36 hours in a week).
a The average user participates on average 1.5 times per week or six times a month.
The model defines health and fitness users as all people participating in health and
fitness, including private club members, users of local authority facilities, body builders
and home users. A reduction of 10% in the demand for stations is assumed to represent
the proportion of health and fitness users who do not use gyms, for example 'home'
users.
It is also assumed that the at one time capacity is calculated by the ratio of one person
per station (a station is a piece of equipment – cardio vascular and resistance).
Equipment such as free weights, stretch mats and ab cradles are not included. Their
exclusion is due to the life span, range of and type of such ‘equipment’.
Example One: A mat used for stretching could be in a designated warm up/down
area, with other stretching aids, or could be a small mat positioned in between
two resistance machines. Therefore, from facility to facility and indeed from day
to day within a facility the quality and quantity of such equipment is flexible.
Example Two: The capacity of free weights equipment is also difficult to assess.
Is it defined by the physical floor area that it is located in, the number of benches,
the number of bar bells and/or the number of dumb bells?
Example Three: More ‘perishable’ equipment such as mats and ab cradles will
frequently not be included in health and safety and operational assessments of a
health and fitness area’s capacity.
Furthermore, supply/capacity/demand is measured using stations (pieces of equipment)
rather than membership or floor area, because it is the most accurate and accessile type
of measurement.
Membership numbers are commerically sensitive and are problematic to establish. The
official number of members for a club can also be different to the actual number. For
example, membership numbers can be inflated to imply the club is more successful and
larger than perhaps it might be.
Floor area is also difficult to assess. It is not a commonly known piece of information
and the floor area can include circulation space and corridors, changing facilities, other
facilities, etc. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain this information in the first place and once
located, it is often unclear as to what the floor area actually covers.
Therefore, the number of stations in a health and fitness facility is used to quantify the
level of supply that is necessary to meet the maximum demand.
The demand figure is then compared to the existing supply which is calculated from a
detailed competition analysis.
Assessing current supply of health and fitness
Page 10
A detailed competition analysis is performed on the catchment area. The number of
stations available is researched. Some assumptions are used in this research exercise,
namely:
•
•
It is assumed that all facilities within the catchment are equally accessible,
irrespective of relative location within the catchment.
It assumes that the number of people residing just out side the catchment
who will use health and fitness facilities within the catchment is equal to the
number of people who reside within the catchment and use health and fitness
facilities outside the catchment.
The model can be rerun taking into account the projected changes in demand as a result
of changes in population. The base model uses population figures from 2001.
In line with other demand models it is assumed that an increase in population of 10% will
result in a 10% increase in demand for health and fitness stations.
Therefore, the estimated demand for health and fitness stations can be projected to the
present day and into the future. This figure is compared to the estimated supply in the
same projected year. The methodology for assessing this is identical to that detailed in
the swimming pool demand model (see Section 8).
10. Demand for Other Facilities
Any type of facility that has published demand parameters can be assessed using a very
similar methodology as described above. The detail of the model however is dictated by
the robustness and type of demand parameters researched for each facility type. To
date the most accurate demand parameters have been published by Sport England and
Sport Scotland as part of their Facilities Planning Model programme. They include
national audits of facilities (not published) and comprehensive national surveys to
assess demand. To date Sport England has only run models on the following facilities:
•
•
Sports Halls
Swimming Pools
However, they are in the process of assessing synthetic turf pitches and indoor bowls
(and soon indoor tennis). Until they have been completed less detailed parameters are
the most appropriate to use.
Facilities such as synthetic turf pitches and athletics tracks have published normative
demand parameters. An example of which is:
“One full size synthetic turf pitch for every 60,000 resident people within a 20 minute offpeak drivetime”
Such parameters can be used to assess the demand from the population of any
catchment (by total numbers only) and then supply can be assessed in the same way as
detailed above.
Page 11
Where there are no published demand parameters for facilities, for example outdoor
bowls (in England) and theatres, demand models are not possible. Supply can be
assessed as normal but then the only indication to a gap in the market is an analysis of
the spatial distribution of the facilities.
Page 12
(c) 2004 Mapping the Future T
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Version: October 2004
MtF Demand Model - Swimming Pools - PART A - DEMAND SIDE
Target Area: Welwyn Garden City, 10min drivetime
Target Site: AL8 6AE
Any model is based on a number of assumptions. The assumptions used in this model are as follows:
Assumptions/Parameters used in Mode

Source: 2004 Sport England
Average duration of visit = 64 minutes (tank), 68 minutes (leisure pool)
Normal peak periods = 52 hours per week = 49 peak sessions
At one time capacity = 6m2 per person
A one time capacity is defined as the supply/capacity of one m2 of pool area at any one time
2
2
Capacity per 212m (1 pool unit) = 35 people. (number of metres squared divided by the at one time capacity of one m )
A pool unit is defined as an average four lane, 25 metre pool.

These assumptions are then applied to the population (classified by age and gender) of the target area. Calculated Sport England demand parameters for each
category of age and gender are also applied (see the following table).
Demand Assessment Table
Demand in relation to the age and gender profile of the target area is calculated by applying the Sport England parameters to it.
Age group
Population
Rate of participation (%)
Participation numbers
Frequency of participation
(per week)
Visits per week
Peak visits
0-15
16-24
Male
6,806
4,221
Female
6,718
3,969
Male
13.23
10.86
Female
12.72
14.51
Male
900
458
Female
855
576
Male
0.92
0.84
Female
0.95
0.76
Male
828
385
Female
812
438
(63%)
1033
518
25-39
7,034
7,573
13.73
18.89
966
1431
0.71
0.79
686
1130
1144
40-59
60-79
Total
8,394
5,031
31,486
8,224
6,112
32,596
8.13
3.93
10.44
4.52
682
198
3,205
859
276
3,996
0.94
1.18
0.81
1.07
641
233
2,774
695
296
3,371
842
333
3,871
Quantifying Demand
The figure of total visits during peak times is used to calculate the size of a swimming pool needed to serve this demand at any one time.
This is calculated by:
Standard
79
6
70%
677
dividing the total peak visits by the number of peak sessions(49)
2
divide by the water area required by one person (6m of pool area).
allow for the comfort capacity at 70% of peak time usage
This leaves one number signifying the total demand from the catchment area, measured in square metres of pool.
Standard
Water area required to meet potential demand/m2, in 2001 :
The corresponding demand in 2005 will be :
677
678
681
Pool Units Required in 2001:
3.2
3.2
3.2
m2
m2
m2
2
A pool unit is equal to: 212 m or a 4 lane 25 metre pool
Note: Demand will change over time in relation to the increase or decrease in resident population.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the data above is accurate PMP Consultancy Ltd (MtF) accept no liability for errors or omissions within this data or any losses arising from this.
Page 1
(c) 2004 Mapping the Future T
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Demand Sensitivities
The model calculates the total potential demand for swimming and assumes that each pool will operate on average at 70% peak time capacity to provide comfort for users.
Once this 70% capacity has been exceeded it assumes that people will choose not to use the pool and either find an alternative pool or not go swimming.
A number of sensitivities have been calculated:
Capacity - this is the theoretical pool area to meet the demand for swimming based on current participation rates with the pool operating at capacity during peak time
This does not allow for the comfort factor (this is the basis on which previous models (FPM and MtF) have been calculated)
Standard - this identifies the potential demand for swimming provision and assumes that all barriers to participation are removed. This includes an allowanc
for a comfort factor and equates to the Sport England Facility Calculato
Game Plan - this assumes that the targets in Game Plan are achieved (50% participation in 2010 and 70% in 2020) with swimming increasing proportionately to the
increase in participation. This allows for the comfort factor and assumes pools will operate on average at 70% peak time capacity.
Total Peak Visits
Age group
Peak visits
0-15
16-24
25-39
40-59
60-79
Total
(63%)
1033
518
1144
842
333
3,871
Comfort
Capacity
(70%)
1476
740
1634
1203
476
5,530
Game Plan
2010
1786
896
1977
1456
576
6,691
The figure of total visits during peak times is used to calculate the size of swimming pool provision
needed to serve this demand at any one time. This highlights the:
- potential demand for swimming at peak times based on participation rates
- potential demand for swimming at peak times allowing for a comfort factor
- potential demand for swimming at peak times if the targets in Game Plan are achieved
Capacity
Dividing the total peak visits by the number of peak sessions(49)
2
divide by the water area required by one person (6m
of pool area).
The total demand from the catchment area, measured in square metres of pool.
Standard
79
6
474
Capacity
113
6
677
Game Plan
2010
Comfort
Water area required to meet potential demand/m2, in 2001 :
474
475
477
677
678
681
Pool Units Required in 2010 (Game Plan adjusted):
2.2
2.2
2.2
3.2
3.2
3.2
Game Plan
2010
137
6
819
824
3.9
2
A pool unit is equal to: 212 m or a 4 lane 25 metre pool
Page 2
TM
(c) 2004 Mapping the Future
MtF Demand Model - Swimming Pool - PART B - MODEL RUNS
(inc Herfordshire Sports Village)
The total demand (calculated in the pool demand sheet) is then compared to the supply of pool area within the
catchment area. There are three scenarios considered:
(1). Present situation. In the year 2001 the existing pool area available is compared to the
corresponding estimated demand.
Using projected demand in the year 2010 and population projections to estimate any change in demand,
the situation in 2010 is estimated. It is assessed under two conditions.
(2). Worst Case Scenario. Assumes that all current planning applications will come to fruition.
(3). Most Likely Scenario. Assumes that only the projects that are currently underway
(have gained planning permission) will eventually be completed.
The Three Scenarios
1. Present Situation
Year 2001
Using the 2001 Census population projections, and only those facilities that are presently built
Supply in Year 2001
Existing Sites Public LCs
2
Dual Use
0
Club Use
1
Total
3
2
Existing pool area (m ) Public LCs
Dual Use
Club Use
Total
951
0
0
951
Demand in Year 2001
= 677
There is an over supply equivalent to
274
sqm
There is an unmet demand equivalent to
-274
sqm
2. Worst Case Scenario (Do everything)
Year 2010
Using population projection to the year 2010, and assumes all planned developments come to fruition
Supply in Year 2010
2
Dual Use
0
Club Use
1
Planned Sites Public LCs
0
Dual Use
0
Club Use
0
Total Sites Total
3
Existing pool area (m2) Public LCs
Dual Use
Club Use
2
Planned pool area (m ) Public LCs
Dual Use
Club Use
Total
Demand in Year 2010
= 681
270
-270
sqm
sqm
951
0
0
0
0
0
951
3. Most Likely Scenario (Do something)
Year 2010
Using population projection to the year 2010, and only planned developments where building work has started on site.
Supply in Year 2010
2
Dual Use
0
Club Use
1
0
Dual Use
0
Club Use
0
Total Sites Total
3
Dual Use
Club Use
Planned pool area (m2) Public LCs
Dual Use
Club Use
Total
Demand in Year 2010
= 681
Oversupply (Game Plan Adjusted)
Unmet Demand (Game Plan Adjusted)
Demand in Year 2010
= 824
(Game Plan Adjusted)
270
-270
127
-127
sqm
sqm
sqm
sqm
951
0
0
0
0
0
951
Notes:
Public LCs - Public leisure centres with unrestricted public access
Dual Use - Leisure centres that only allow public access during out of school hours and holidays. Supply has been
reduced by 25% to reflect this.
Club Use - Facilities that can only be hired out as a whole, to clubs and associations, usually on a block booking
system. Such facilities do not provide staff or any other support. These facilities are therefore not included i
the model.
17:40 16/10/2006
TM
(c) 2004 Mapping the Future
MtF Demand Model - Swimming Pool - PART B - MODEL RUNS
(exc Herfordshire Sports Village)
The total demand (calculated in the pool demand sheet) is then compared to the supply of pool area within the
(1). Present situation. In the year 2001 the existing pool area available is compared to the
The Three Scenarios
Year 2001
Using the 2001 Census population projections, and only those facilities that are presently built
Supply in Year 2001
1
Dual Use
0
Club Use
1
Total
2
Dual Use
Club Use
Total
651
0
0
651
Demand in Year 2001
= 677
-26
sqm
26
sqm
Year 2010
Supply in Year 2010
1
Dual Use
0
Club Use
1
0
Dual Use
0
Club Use
0
Total Sites Total
2
Dual Use
Club Use
Planned pool area (m2) Public LCs
Dual Use
Club Use
Total
Demand in Year 2010
= 681
-30
30
sqm
sqm
651
0
0
0
0
0
651
Year 2010
Supply in Year 2010
1
Dual Use
0
Club Use
1
0
Dual Use
0
Club Use
0
Total Sites Total
2
Dual Use
Club Use
2
Planned pool area (m ) Public LCs
Dual Use
Club Use
Total
Demand in Year 2010
= 681
Unmet Demand (Game Plan Adjusted)
Demand in Year 2010
= 824
-30
30
-173
173
sqm
sqm
sqm
sqm
651
0
0
0
0
0
651
Notes:
Public LCs - Public leisure centres with unrestricted public access
Dual Use - Leisure centres that only allow public access during out of school hours and holidays. Supply has been
reduced by 25% to reflect this.
Club Use - Facilities that can only be hired out as a whole, to clubs and associations, usually on a block booking
system. Such facilities do not provide staff or any other support. These facilities are therefore not included i
the model.
17:41 16/10/2006
MtF Demand Model - Sports Halls - PART A - DEMAND SIDE
Any model is based on a number of assumptions. The assumptions used in this model are as follows:
Source: 2004 Sport England
Assumptions/Parameters used in Model:

Average duration of visit = 1 hour

Normal peak periods = 40.5 hours per week

At one time capacity = 5 people per badminton court
These assumptions are then applied to the population (classified by age and gender) of the target area. Calculated Sport England demand parameters for each
category of age and gender are also applied (see the following table).
Demand Assessment Table
Demand in relation to the age and gender profile of the target area is calculated by applying Sport England demand parameters to it.
Age Group
0-15
16-24
25-34
35-44
45-59
60-79
Total
Population
Male
16,559
9,741
11,367
12,807
14,770
12,392
77,636
Female
16,213
9,321
11,928
12,882
14,675
14,317
79,336
Rate of Participation (%)
Male
9.55
15.04
14.96
11.08
5.68
5.55
Female
6.03
9.31
11.66
9.40
5.40
4.28
Participation Nr's
Male
1581
1465
1701
1419
839
688
Female
978
868
1391
1211
792
613
Frequency of participation
(per week)
Male
Female
0.85
0.99
0.88
0.85
0.88
1.03
0.90
0.90
0.92
1.02
1.10
1.27
Visits per week
Male
1344
1289
1496
1277
772
757
6,935
Quantifying Demand
The figure of total visits during peak times is used to calculate the size of a sports hall needed to serve this demand at any one time.
dividing the total peak visits by the number of peak sessions (40.5) :
This is calculated by :
divide this number by the average number of people that play on a badminton court (5) :
allow for the comfort capacity at 80% of peak time usage
This leaves one number signifying the total demand from the catchment area, measured in badminton courts.
Female
968
738
1433
1090
808
778
5,814
Peak Visits
(60%)
1387
1216
1757
1420
948
921
7,650
Standard
189
5
80%
47.2
Current
No of badminton courts demand in 2001
The corresponding demand in 2005 will be:
Number of four court sports halls required in 2001 is:
47.2
47.7
48.3
courts
courts
courts
11.8
11.9
12.1
Note: Demand will change over time in relation to the increase or decrease in resident population.
Page 1
Demand Sensitivities
The model calculates the total potential demand for sports halls and assumes that each hall will operate on average at 80% peak time capacity to provide comfort for
users and allow for a balanced programme providing different types of activity.
Once this 80% capacity has been exceeded it assumes that people will choose not to use the hall and either find an alternative hall or not participate in activity.
A number of sensitivities have been calculated:
Capacity - this is the theoretical sports hall area to meet the demand for hall based activities based on current participation rates with the hall operating at capacity during peak times
This does not allow for the comfort factor (this is the basis on which previous models (FPM and MtF) have been calculated).
Standard - this identifies the potential demand for sports hall provision and assumes that all barriers to participation are removed. This includes an allowance
for a comfort factor and equates to the Sport England Facility Calculator.
Game Plan - this assumes that the targets in Game Plan are achieved (50% participation in 2010 and 70% in 2020) with sports hall activities increasing proportionately to the
increase in participation. This allows for the comfort factor and assumes halls will operate on average at 75% peak time capacity.
Total Peak Visits
Age group
Peak visits
0-15
16-24
25-34
34-44
45-59
60-79
Total
(60%)
1387
1216
1757
1420
948
921
7,650
Comfort
Capacity
(80%)
1734
1520
2197
1775
1185
1151
9,562
Game Plan
2010
2098
1839
2658
2148
1434
1393
11,570
The figure of total visits during peak times is used to calculate the size of sports hall provision needed
to serve this demand at any one time. This highlights the:
- potential demand for sports halls at peak times based on participation rates
- potential demand for sports hall at peak times allowing for a comfort factor
- potential demand for sports halls at peak times if the targets in Game Plan are achieved
Capacity
Dividing the total peak visits by the number of peak sessions(40.5)
divide this number by the average number of people that play on a badminton court (5) :
The total demand from the catchment area, measured in badminton courts.
No of badminton courts demand in 2001
Standard
189
5
38
Game Plan 2010
236
5
47
286
5
57
Capacity
Standard
Game Plan 2010
38
38
39
47
48
48
58
9.4
9.5
9.7
11.8
11.9
12.1
14.6
Page 2
(c) 2004 Mapping the Future TM
Version:October 2004
MtF Demand Model - Sports Halls - PART B - MODEL RUNS
The total demand (calculated in the hall demand sheet) is then compared to the supply of sports halls within
the catchment area. There are three scenarios considered:
(1). Present situation. In the year 2001 the existing sports halls available are compared to the
Year 2001
Using population projections to the year 2000, and only those facilities that are presently built.
Supply in Year 2001
6
Dual Use
7
Club Use
0
Total
13
Existing Public LCs
badminton courts Dual Use
Club Use
Total
39
17.25
0
56.25
Demand in Year 2001
= 47
9
courts
-9
courts
Year 2010
Supply in Year 2010
6
Dual Use
7
Club Use
0
0
Dual Use
0
Club Use
0
Total Sites Total
13
Existing Public LCs
Club Use
Planned Public LCs
Club Use
Total
Demand in Year 2010
= 48
8
-8
courts
courts
39
17.25
0
0
0
0
56.25
Year 2010
Supply in Year 2010
6
Dual Use
7
Club Use
0
0
Dual Use
0
Club Use
0
Total Sites Total
13
Existing Public LCs
Club Use
Planned Public LCs
Club Use
Total
Notes:
Demand in Year 2010
= 48
Unmet Demand (Game Pan Adjusted)
Demand in Year 2010
= 58
8
-8
-2
2
courts
courts
courts
courts
39
17.25
0
0
0
0
56.25
Public LCs
Dual Use
- Public leisure centres with unrestricted public access
- Leisure centres that only allow public access during out of school hours and holidays. Supply
has been reduced by 25% to reflect this.
Club Use
- Facilities that can only be hired out as a whole, to clubs and associations, usually on a block
booking system. Such facilities do not provide staff or any other support. These facilities are
therefore not included in the model.
17:48 16/10/2006
MtF Demand Model - Health and Fitness - PART A - DEMAND SIDE
FORECAST
Generic Assumptions Used in the Model
The model defines health and fitness users as all people participating in health and fitness, including private club members, users of
local authority facilities, home users.
The model is based on the premise that for the supply to be sufficient, it must be large enough to cater for the maximum demand at any one time.
Maximum demand is described as the demand during a peak hour/session.
Penetration of health and fitness users is defined using results from MtF's Sport and Leisure Potential Report.
This report is derived from a representative sample of nearly 1 million people who completed a survey, a significant number of which
reside within the target area. The penetration rate is therefore dependent upon the character of people in the target catchment area.
A figure of 19.7% penetration was attained for GB as a whole. This is a current figure and does not take into account market trends in health and fitness.
A reduction of 10% in the demand for stations is assumed to represent the proportion of health and fitness users who do not use gyms,
including 'home' users, etc. The reduction is subtracted at the end of the model calculations.
Parameters Used in the Model
A potential penetration rate of
19.1% will be used. This figure was obtained from the Sport and Leisure Potential Report for this target area.
It includes all health and fitness users (from home gym users to members of private health and fitness clubs)

The average health and fitness session is one hour
65% of use is during peak times
Peak times are 5-9pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm weekends (36 hours in a week).
The average user participates on average 1.5 times per week or six times a month.
The at one time capacity of a health and fitness facility is calculated by the ratio of one user per station.
The Calculations Used to Calculate Demand (2001)
Total Adult Population = 50,920
Number of Potential members/users of health and fitness clubs =
19.1%
Number of visits per week = potential members/users *1.5 = 14,589
Number of visits per week in peak times = 65% of total number of visits =
Number of visits in one hour of peak time = total visits during peak times /36 =
Reduce figure by 10% to account for non gym users =
of total adults =
9,726
9,483
264
238
A total number of
238 stations would be required to cater for the predicted demand
by potential members/users of any health and fitness facility.
Quantifying Demand - demand changes over time as a result of changes in resident population.
In 2001 there will be a demand for :
238
stations
238
stations
239
stations
NB. Market trends have not been considered at this stage.
Page 1
Health and Fitness MtF Demand Assessment Model
MtF Demand Model - Health and Fitness - PART B - MODEL RUNS
The total demand (calculated in the demand sheet) is then compared to the supply of stations within the
(1). Present situation. In the year 2001 the existing stations available are compared to th
(2). Worst Case Scenario. Assumes that all current planning applications will come to fruitio
(3). Most Likely Scenario. Assumes that only the projects that are currently underwa
Year 2001
Using population projections to the year 2000, and only those facilities that are presently built.
Supply in Year 2001
Public
3
Private
2
Total
5
Existing Stations Public
108
Private
175
Total
283
Year 2001
Existing Sites
Demand in Year 2001
= 238
There is an over supply equivalent t
45
-45
stations
stations
Year 2010
Using population projection to the year 2010, and all planned developments come to fruition
Year 2010
Existing Sites
No of Stations
Supply in Year 2010
Public
3
Private
2
Planned
0
Total
5
Public
108
Private
225
Planned
0
Total
333
Demand in Year 2010
= 239
There is an unmet demand equivalent t
94
-94
stations
stations
Year 2010
Using population projection to the year 2010, and only planned developments which are looking favourable come to fruition
Year 2010
Existing Sites
No of Stations
Notes:
Supply in Year 2010
Public
3
Private
2
Planned
0
Total
5
Public
108
Private
225
Planned
0
Total
333
Demand in Year 2010
= 239
There is an unmet demand equivalent t
94
-94
stations
stations
No assumptions/consideration has been made regarding the quality of facilities.
It is assumed that although private clubs require a membership fee to be paid before
joining, no reduction in accessibility to the facility results. Similarly, the standard
requirement in public facilities to undertake an induction before using the facility also
has no impact on accessibility.
17:42 16/10/2006